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looking for small, cheap, clean desktop DAC.

post #1 of 26
1/4/13 at 11:09am
Thread Starter 

Hi.

Currently i have the Fiio E10 which is DAC/AMP.

But i feel it colors my headphones a bit too much.

I'm looking for a cleaner sound DAC thats cheap and small(good lookin =P) for desktop.

Thanks.

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post #2 of 26
1/4/13 at 11:11am
Thread Starter 

Do u guys suggest the E9?

using E9+E10 as a combo. (E9 for amp,E10 for DAC)

is this a good idea?

 

edit: nvm, E9 is not portable.


Edited by Seekky - 1/4/13 at 11:17am
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post #3 of 26
1/4/13 at 12:13pm

Do you want an amp with it? If so, take a look at the Topping D100 MK2

Otherwise, there are cheap Sabre DAC's such as the UD100 and Hifimediy, both of which can be had for around $50. The Modi is also out, and first impressions are generally positive. Lastly, there's a super cheap Ele DAC for $18, which is supposed to be decent.
 

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post #4 of 26
1/4/13 at 12:29pm
Thread Starter 

newbie question, is AMP going to change the overall sound?

i don't want it to be like the E10, which changes my sound alot.

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post #5 of 26
1/4/13 at 1:45pm
Thread Starter 

i think i will give ELE DAC a try. since they are dirt cheap.

any cheap amp to combo with it? so i can make out a 'cheap desktop audio combo' biggrin.gif

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post #6 of 26
1/4/13 at 2:10pm

Most cheap amps aren't completely neutral. If you get the Hifimediy, it works as an amp and a DAC. Otherwise, the Magni or the O2 are probably probably among the cheapest amps that will leave the sound mostly unaltered.

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post #7 of 26
1/4/13 at 2:42pm

get the topping d2 you will be pleased, i know i am 

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post #8 of 26
1/4/13 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 

ELE DAC alone will still be good right?

im looking for USB powered

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post #9 of 26
1/4/13 at 10:51pm

It's not very advisable to plug headphones directly into a source meant for line-level output. Some easier-to-drive headphones may work, but it's still not optimal.

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post #10 of 26
1/5/13 at 5:22am
Thread Starter 
So ele dac alone is not a good solution?
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post #11 of 26
1/5/13 at 1:19pm

Audioengine D1?

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post #12 of 26
1/5/13 at 2:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Seekky View Post

So ele dac alone is not a good solution?

You'd get a weak, altered sound. Plus there's the remote chance to short the unit or damage it due to overheating.


Edited since I quoted the wrong post.
Edited by MrScratch - 1/5/13 at 2:24pm
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post #13 of 26
1/5/13 at 7:33pm

I have the Modi, sounds pretty transparent to my ears, although I am yet to have an experience with a compleatly clear reference DAC. If you go that route, i would get the magni with it, they work good together. They would also probably look better than crossing different brands together :)

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post #14 of 26
1/5/13 at 8:48pm
Thread Starter 

The modi looks good, hows it compare to ODAC? i heard good things about odac

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post #15 of 26
1/5/13 at 9:19pm

ODAC is supposed to be a bit more fleshed out. Noticeably so, but it's not a huge difference. Take a look for Flysweep's impressions.

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Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Portable Headphone Amps › looking for small, cheap, clean desktop DAC.