ODAC

That would depend on what inputs your amp takes. I would say no it is not necessary, since you can get a 3.5mm to RCA adapter pretty cheaply anyways.

JDSLabs is your best bet. I don't think anyone has the ODAC cheaper unless you don't mind it used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfetan44 

Oh. Do they degrade quality at all?

Pretty much inaudibly, if at all. That's assuming the adapter is more than $2.

People who compared them almost universally preferred the ODAC. The only issue is that the ODAC seems to be a bit more finicky with being properly powered than the MS2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfetan44 

any recommendations for a $250 amp for a Hifiman HE500? Just what I plan to get down the road.

Do yourself a favour and get the O2 amp when you order the ODAC. Even if you just buy it as a kit, assemble it and use it without a case, it performs well above it's price point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfetan44 

Do I need to be able to solder?

Well, you have a few options. You can buy a complete finished amp for $144 from JDS, a bare board and source all the parts from the BOM and assemble it yourself (which will of course involve soldering) or buy the kit from Audiopoutine for $35 which includes all the parts in a very neat package and assemble that yourself. Some of the parts are rather small but if you can do some basic soldering with a small hobby soldering iron you should be able to handle it. It only took me about 2 hours to build, being extra careful and double checking every step, but the result is awesome.

You could build the $35 Audiopoutine kit and listen to it without a case and a pair of regular 9v batteries, and if you really like it you can always add the case, power supply and ODAC later.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfetan44 

what are some good hobby solders?

You mean the soldering iron or the solder? You can get anything off the shelf from radioshack or any shop, it should work fine.

For soldering irons this should be fine : http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062758

Also, this solder is excellent and is extremely easy to work with: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062717

Soldering is not difficult, but does require some practice, patience,  and a steady hand. The biggest problem is probably being overwhelmed by all the small components in the kit. If your careful and look at each component as an individual task, instead of looking at the whole project, it's quite easy. If you do decide to take on this project, I would suggest getting the tools first and practice soldering some small wires together until your comfortable with your results.

Good luck!