Hey guys,    I have been out of the audio scene for a couple years now, but I need to upgrade my setup as I won't be able to use my old amplifier anymore. I'm looking for a very cheap (<$80) desktop oriented DAC+AMP. I don't mind if they're separate components or integrated, but I need both...

This is my expertise.   Video Source on PS3- HDMI   Audio Source on PS3- Optical   Run optical out from your PS3 to your DAC, and make sure the audio output settings on your PS3 are set to stereo, and not any of the surround sound stuff.   This is what I do and it works great.  

A stereo receiver is probably your best bet. Check eBay for a receiver from Onkyo, Denon or Harmon Kardon. Those are all good budget brands with an ample supply of used products. $100 should get you a good condition receiver from Denon or Onkyo, finding one from Harmon is a bit of a stretch, but...

The current DAC in my CD player is not of very high quality, and I am looking for increased quality. I am most likely going to go with the SMSL DAC 1955 on Ebay, unless some one has a major objection.  

Anyone else have any input on this matter?

I realize that, but as a future upgrade, do you know how big of a difference i makes?  

I'm really hesitant on those Ebay DAC's, especially since you say you haven't tried them. The Bifrost I have looked at before, and looks good for the money. Right now though the Firestone Audio DAC looks like my best option, do you know where I could purchase one in USD? Do you have the...

I hate to make another one of these threads, but every DAC thread is about USB, and I rock with a CD player. So I need a DAC with either optical or coaxial input and stereo RCA output. Size doesn't matter, but I do need to stay right around the $250 mark. I have a pretty good nuetral amp and...

Hi, I have recently started doing some multi tasking and would like to be able to switch audio sources on the fly, and listen to multiple stereo sources at once. I had a couple thoughts on how to do this, but none of them worked. So my question to you guys is, how can plug all of my RCA stereo...

That was the right choice. :)  

Quote: :)   As for the point of this topic, I would still suggests the D2000's from Denon. If you think you might be upgrading headphones in the future you might consider a combined DAC/AMP and get Audio Technica ATH-M50's.

Quote:   I find that he DT880 are not that great for bass heavy music, maybe our pairs have a slightly different sound signature, or our amps are very different. I am using a receiver with mine, and they accurately reproduce the sound, but they don't have kickin bass that people like...

I own the DT880 pro and would not recommend them for bass heavy music, they are very accurate, but don't have the bass I think you looking for. I would also recommend the Denon D2000.

I have used only DT880 pro's for the last 6 months, they still sound superb to my ears. I feel like people listen to their rig and not necessarily their music. For me, I enjoy my music even if the quality isn't that great, having great audio quality takes music from a backround activity to a...

Quote: *Facepalm   I didn't even notice that they needed to be portable, I would look into the Audio Technica line of headphones in your price range, most of them seem to be a bit on the bassy side.