I've been getting a few bonuses at work lately and I feel like I can justify spending around $500 on a new component in my setup, especially considering it's been a while since I've changed anything with it.

My main use is playing MP3/FLAC from my PC and my chain looks like this:

M-Audio Audiophile 24/96 Sound Card --> WooAudio WA 6 w/ Mullard GZ34 --> Audez'e LCD-2 w/ Q-Audio Cable

I'm thinking that a DAC would be the next purchase that would make sense in this setup, but there are so many to choose from and I'm not entirely sure what having a DAC will help me achieve in terms of sound quality. How noticeable is the difference? I would probably be looking for optical in to the DAC in order to bypass any coloring the soundcard may be doing and getting to the DAC bit perfect; correct?

My other option could be a cheaper pair of headphones to complement the LCD-2's. I love the sound of the LCD-2's, but I wouldn't mind some variety in my setup, if you guys could suggest something worth trying.

Thanks so much!

Switching over to the Schiit Modi or ODAC might give you a cleaner (less background noise) audio sound.
Not sure how much of a noticeable improvement in general audio quality.

Modi + mad dog

Might find a second hand Resonessence Labs Concero for $500. Google for reviews.

purpleangel said:

  Switching over to the Schiit Modi or ODAC might give you a cleaner (less background noise) audio sound.
Not sure how much of a noticeable improvement in general audio quality.

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I like this idea, and you may want another headphone. I've not heard the LCD 2 but I hear it's very... warm and organic
 
that said, something like the Beyer DT 880 might compliment them nicely. Seeing as they are a little colder and nuetral. I enjoy an Dt 880 HE 400 combo atm! 

So far I've ended up ordering the Schiit Modi. After the replies from the other day I did a lot of searching on these forums and elsewhere and read many reviews that said for the price it really can't be beaten and even upgrading to something 2-3x the price is not justifiable and that sonic differences between DACs can be very difficult to describe.

Instead, I think I'll take the extra $400 and maybe find a HE-400 to try and if necessary use it as a catalyst to start trading and trying out more headphones, all the while keeping my LCD-2 as my staple/reference headphone. I figure I'll get the most bang for the buck and the most sonic difference by trying different headphones than getting a superior DAC.

lostchild1 said:

So far I've ended up ordering the Schiit Modi. After the replies from the other day I did a lot of searching on these forums and elsewhere and read many reviews that said for the price it really can't be beaten and even upgrading to something 2-3x the price is not justifiable and that sonic differences between DACs can be very difficult to describe.

Instead, I think I'll take the extra $400 and maybe find a HE-400 to try and if necessary use it as a catalyst to start trading and trying out more headphones, all the while keeping my LCD-2 as my staple/reference headphone. I figure I'll get the most bang for the buck and the most sonic difference by trying different headphones than getting a superior DAC.

Click to expand...

I might be able to help u there <3