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Halp! First time hi-fi'er looking for some advice on DAC/Amps

post #1 of 7
2/6/12 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 

Hi everyone. Although I've read through these forums seeking advice before, this is my first post. (So be gentle!)

 

My laptop speakers went out (Harmon Kardon SoundStick II's) after many years of use so I was looking for something to replace them with. After doing some research I stumbled into the world of DACs, pre-amps, portable amps, etc. It's all a little overwhelming! I'm hoping someone can nudge me in the right direction for a simple setup that's better than what I have currently.

 

 

My current setup (don't laugh):

- Smallish home office, around 12x14 feet

- Macbook Pro

- Soundstick II's

- iPhone 4S

- Shure SE535's

 

 

(I mistakenly bought the SE535's assuming that would help with audio fidelity. I now realize I need a DAC and amp to really take advantage of them.)

 

 

 

What I'm looking for:

- New 2.1 speakers for my computer. I liked the soundstick II's and am considering the soundstick III's. I want something with a smallish footprint, but I also use them when watching movies, etc. Admittedly, the soundsticks are OK for music, but not great for movies. Definitely open to suggestions here.

- An entry level DAC. Possibly one that leverages the optical out on my mac to spare a usb port? Or is USB generally better?

 

I found these around head-fi:

- TubeMagic D1 DAC for my desk at home

- FiiO E7 for traveling

- HeadAmp pico for traveling

- HeadAmp pico slim for traveling (looks pricey but I love the form factor)

 

If possible, I'd love a DAC/AMP combo that I can also take with me on the road when I have to travel with my laptop or even just to use with my iPhone. Right now though, it looks like a TubeMagic on my desk and FiiO E7 for when I'm on the road makes the most sense.

 

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

 


Edited by mirthlab - 2/6/12 at 6:10pm
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post #2 of 7
2/7/12 at 9:40am

For speakers something like these http://www.amazon.com/Samson-MediaOne-Precision-tuned-Powered-Monitors/dp/B0019R8U7I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328636152&sr=8-1 or http://www.amazon.com/Akai-RPM3-Production-Monitors-Interface/dp/B004LU9HEA/ref=pd_cp_MI_1

with this sub http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-80-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000I7VQAS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328636294&sr=8-2

 

about $50 more than the soundsticks but miles better.

 

 

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post #3 of 7
2/7/12 at 10:05am
Thread Starter 

Wow, those look awesome! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

What do you think about the TubeMagic D1 DAC/Amp to drive them? Is there a better alternative in that price range?

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post #4 of 7
2/7/12 at 10:58am
I don't like tube gear so I avoid it I prefer gear that doesn't colour the sound you could just get the fiio e9/e7 combo.
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post #5 of 7
2/7/12 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 

The e9/e7 combo looks interesting, but it says it's a headphone amp. I guess it probably has a line-out that I can use with those speakers since they're smallish speakers and don't need a lot of power to drive?

 

Sorry for all the questions. This is still new to me.

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post #6 of 7
2/7/12 at 4:20pm
The speakers have an amp built in, they only need a low level signal the e9 outputs the redbook standard 2vrms via a 3.5mm preout or stereo rca.
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post #7 of 7
2/9/12 at 1:50pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks a ton! I'm about to pull the trigger on ordering my new gear.

 

Really appreciate the feedback.

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