DAC Questions!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ndug15 

Hey all,

 

I'm new to this site as well as new to hifi headphones and the associated gear. In my search for the right items for me I decided to go with the matrix m stage amp and the hd650s running out of a MacBook Pro. These two alone pretty much ate up my budget, but I absolutely love the combination! However, I was wondering of the benefits of purchasing a DAC in the future...one of the ones I've seen used in combination this setup is the HRT Music Streamer II+. I was curious if:

 

A) the breakdown of why I need a DAC to begin with

B) is the HRT Music Streamer II+ the one for my setup

 

Please let me know guys!

 

 

A)  The DAC is dedicated to creating the best possible analogue signal from your digital music file.  The AMP benefits from having this better/cleaner analogue signal to amplify.

B)  I would probably go with the HRT MS II, not the II+,  because I'm not sure if the HD650 + M-stage is resolving enough to warrant the subtle differences between the II & II+

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicolom 

A)  The DAC is dedicated to creating the best possible analogue signal from your digital music file.  The AMP benefits from having this better/cleaner analogue signal to amplify.

 

B)  I would probably go with the HRT MS II, not the II+,  because I'm not sure if the HD650 + M-stage is resolving enough to warrant the subtle differences between the II & II+

 

why do you not think the HD650 + m-stage is resolving enough to warrant going for the MSII+? is it because the M-stage is not able to reach the potential of the hd650?

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnman1116 

why do you not think the HD650 + m-stage is resolving enough to warrant going for the MSII+? is it because the M-stage is not able to reach the potential of the hd650?

I've never heard the HD650, so I don't know how resolving it is....

"Going up to the $345 model, the MS2+, does yield some nice improvements, although they are more subtle and more in the small refinements. The MS2+ has an even bigger soundstage, a more refined treble, and slightly more midrange body for a more musical sound than the MS2. The subtler improvements is very appreciated on a highly transparent system such as the Beta22 and HD800/HE5LE that I’m using, and the MS2 sounds quite less refined and a little harsh than the bigger brother. On lesser transparent systems, I’m not sure if the difference is going to be that noticeable."

      - Mike @ Headfonia

"The Streamer + raises the performance bar even further; for those whom have the systems that can reveal the differerences, the Streamer II+ is the one to choose."

      - HRT Website

get MSII+ if youre planning on upgrading (looking for a good deal/used), otherwise MSII.

you couldve also looked at amp/dac combos to save money/space but since you have the amp already.. 

it seems your low budget so go with the MSII which is supposed to be great.