Hi guys, I know there are a ton of threads like this, but none of them seemed to quite address this particular use-case, so if I just missed one, I apologize. I'm looking for a super simple dac recommendation. I don't mean simple as in crappy, but simple as in, I don't need or want USB or...

Fellow head-fiers, I am looking to invest in a low-end optical DAC seeing as how the headphone out on my Audigy4Pro is not clean enough for amping. Ideally, I would like to sever my headphone loop (Amp->headphones) completely from my source loop (Currently Audigy 4 Pro I/O hub) via an optical...

Although I consider myself an audiophile, I am new to the headphone game.  My current systems consists of a Classe' CAP 151 integrated amp, a Cambridge Audio DACMagic D/A converter being fed lossless files from my Macbook laptop, Revel M20 stand mounted monitors and a Sony XDRF-HD1 tuner.  ...

Hi guys,   I'm looking for the missing link to improve my bedtime listening with the Grado RS-1i. I don't have a media player at home other than my iPhone so the fact it's an iPhone doesn't mean the solution needs to be portable, however it may be cheaper/more practical to have one...

Hey guys,   I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm struggling to find the right solution. My setup at the moment consists of an Edirol UA25 which uses balanced outs to an SM Pro M-Patch 2 to some KRK Rokit 8's. I'm looking at hopefully bypassing the Edirol and M-Patch and having a more...

I'm looking for impressions and opinions of the HRT Music Streamer II + USB DAC. Especially compared to other up to $500 USB DACs like DacMagic, RDac, Vdac. I like the simplicity of the device, the price point, and reviews online reviews seem favorable. Will be used together on IMAC based system...

I dont have much experience with over ear headphones except for auditioning various models in shops but I have a lot of long term experience with hifi in general and also with IEM type headphones.    My setup is : Asus Xonar D2 > Cambridge Audio Dacmagic > Nad 316BEE and I am using the NAD...

Id like to have some USB DAC recommendation. As I have powerful amp with punchy headphone, I want a neutral DAC. Also, good jitter handling is a high priority for me. How's little dot DAC 1 or Pico? Is there a better one with more recent chips? My price point is $300 or lower.

Hello all.  I've got a great setup and I'd hate to ruin it with a shoddy pair of cans.  My Sennheisers died so I'm hoping you can help.   I consider myself an audiophile but I don't have hundreds of dollars for a real quality pair of headphones.  I'm looking for the best value for around...

I guess I'll be the one to start this thread on the SPL Phonitor model 2730. (Including Auditor model 2910.) From discussions on this amp, I think quite a few of us own or are planning to own it. Please share your serial number, your setup, what you're learning about it, questions & answers, and...

I am looking for a reasonably-priced tube headphone amp for my desktop system (source: iPod or PC via Pro-Ject USB Box/Foobar 2000, Kimber Timbre cable), to drive Denon AD-H1001 headphones (from my portable setup - to be upgraded, possibly to Sennheiser 650s or similar in the medium term). I...

So yeah I read around these forums and I've read that apparently as a rule of thumb one should spend equal money on each supporting equipment (dac and headamp mainly) to whatever the headphones cost. This would also seem to explain why I've been unsatisfied with much cheaper portable dac/amps...

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice on my current set up and would like to know how i can improve upon it to get the most out of my grado hf2s.   i currently have a pico amp/dac which is connected to my macbook pro via a usb cable. i am using itunes to play my music and it is all at a decent...

Hi guys just wanted to a quick review of the Ibasso D10 , bought it used a few days ago. This is not a full review just my impressions :)      I've tried listening to songs on it via its headphone amp with XB700s, as well as using it as a DAC connected to my Darkvoice amp and to a pair of...

Hi, guys. I have changed job recently, and my opened Grados 125 are too loud for the new office. So I am thinking about closed headphones about same or better sound quality, if possible. I don't mind to spend twice Grados 125 price. What I want at the end of the day is good sound, which would...

I was wondering if anyone else here has been using the Little Dot MK III as a preamp into a direct coupled amp with no problems?   After reading Sam Tellig in Stereophile (May 2010) say that the LD MK III makes a very nice preamp (daring you to compare it against your current linestage) I...

Hi guys, I just started to experiance the wourfull world of headd-fi   For a my first home setup for good music experience last year. Since Im a kind of a nomad, I figured that a head phone rig was the thing.... - short story, I got myself a pair of akg 701/dacmagic  and a powerful amp (g100...

Hi I'm currently considering getting a used pair of XB700s for around 45 USD, thinking of trying out the bass that a lot of people on this forum have been talking about. I've read a few posts across different threads and have a few questions, namely:   1. For purely non-competitive (single...

Presently using the KICAS with the DACMAGIC and HD 650's. What benefit if any would I get from using the LD MK VII+? I am pretty happy with the sound of the KICAS but may want to go balanced at some point and with the other amp I could do that. Do you think there would be any benefit to SQ...

Hi,   Thinkpad Laptop (w/ CD, Spotify Pre, 320kbps mp3) -> DacMagic -> Solo SRGII (normal PSU) -> HD650 (stock cable) / DT-770 250 Ohms (stock cable) Iphone (Spotify Pre, UPnP Client) -> Onkyo ND-S1 -> DacMagic -> Solo SRGII (normal PSU) -> HD650 (stock cable) / DT-770 250 Ohms (stock...

the reason i dont want amplifier in the dac is only because i already have an awesome amp(Heed Canamp), feels like im wasting half of the money on to something i will never use. So i am looking for a tube-like sounding dac my budget is around 300$. i have been looking at the DacMagic and couldnt...

I have been lurking this forum now for over a year and been enjoying more and more headphones and iem's and while as my collection is growing i came to the conclusion that what i need is an amp and dac combo which can drive almost all headphones so that in the future i will not be limited to...

Hi I recently got a complementary new transformer from Cambridge as they acknowledged a problem which is prone to come with the old transformer. Apparently the old transformer is expected to develop a crack. The new transformer has a different design and hums constantly. I dont have any...

Hey guys, Im buying a cambridge dacmagic next week to pair up with my current CTH hybrid amp and my semi-vintage Grado RS-1's.   Im thinking I'm going to sell my CTH and upgrade to the WA6....any idea how this trio would sound?   Also, what are used prices on the WA6 here?   Thanks!

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit Files: FLAC, Apple Lossless, MP3 (320 kbps)   DACs: Musiland 02 US (can't get it work, pl0x help?), Cambridge DAC Magic Amps: Little Dot MKIII, Woo Audio 6 Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT770 600 ohm, Beyerdynamic DT880 600 ohm, Beyerdynamic DT990 600 ohm, AKG...