feckn_eejit, thank you so much for your lengthy posts. Your advice is invaluable to nooblets like me. I do not want to exclude the possibility of investing in better transport (the Bel Canto USB link or something similar) in the near future. I'd like to do one thing at a time without blindly...

feckn_eejit, perhaps I should rephrase. As a Grado guy, I do lean towards the analytical side of the sound spectrum. However, I'm worried that a too analytical DAC would effectively sterilize the sound of my headphones. I love extreme precision and detail, but not if it renders my music...

Yes, another thread in the "recommend me"-series. Yes, I did my searching without avail. I'm looking for a DAC in the sub-1k price range that would connect with my headphone rig (Grado RS-1 + Mapletree Ear+ HD). USB input is mandatory. Are there particular DACs that "synergize" well with...

Quote: Originally Posted by josep If modding is not in your menu, my bet is you are very well served right now with the V-DAC in your setup. Just keep an eye here or on Audiogon when some old DAC1 surfaces (unless you do need usb connection) and if the deal is good go for it. If you...

Josep, thanks a lot for your detailed input! I have Grado RS-1 paired with Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD amp. I love the combo and don't plan on upgrading either any time soon. I've been considering the Benchmark DAC-1 because it feels like a more appropiate source to a $1500 HP setup than the...

I own the former but been eyeing the latter. Would the DAC-1 be a significant upgrade from the V-DAC? I know these two belong in entirely different price groups, but are they really that far apart? According to many, the V-DAC offers incredible value whilst the DAC-1 is a tad overpriced. If...

Musical Fidelity V-DAC?

I'm looking for a convenient and reasonably priced way to hook up my Grado RS-1's to my computer. Finding a good headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC seems like the simplest imaginable solution. I realize that getting these units separately would grant a more... audiophilic return, but...