[slytown]

I'm not sure the best route to go. I have a M-Audio Firewire 410 right now, which sounds great with my studio monitors. I plan on getting both. Looking for first purchase decision.

Does the Compass have enough amp in it to warrant bypassing my 410's DAC? Or should I get the PH100 first and stick with the 410 DAC for now?

source -> 410 (bypass) -> Compass -> Cans?
source -> 410 -> Shanling PH100 -> Cans?

 

[DaveHao]

What's the DAC chip on the 410?

 

[slytown]

Here's what I found. Not sure the specific ship.


M-Audio FireWire 410 Computer Recording Interface Specifications:

4x10 24-bit/96kHz full-duplex recording interface
8 analog outs, -10dB unbalanced signal levels
2 analog ins, configured for -10dB unbalanced signal level
S/PDIF digital I/O on gold-plated RCA connectors
Settings include AC3 or DTS surround and copy protection schemes configurable with included control panel software
High dynamic range (A-weighted measured): D/A 101.5 dB, A/D 99.6 dB
Low distortion (measured THD @ 0dBFS): A/D and D/A less than 0.002%.
Frequency response:
22-22kHz, -0.2,-0.4dB @48kHz
22-40kHz, -0.2,-0.7dB @96kHz
All data paths support up to 24bit/96kHz performance
Comprehensive digital mixing, routing, and monitoring capabilities
with included Delta Control Panel software
Hardware sample-accurate sync allows linking of multiple units

 

[tim3320070]

Get the DAC-19MK3 and avoid feeling the need to upgrade....really.