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.

I assume since you are making music you want something with a very balanced sound signature, so I'll go ahead and recommend the Beyerdynamic DT880 pro's. They have a very detailed balanced sound with a good soundstage.

Big thanks to you!

Could you recommend a specific DAC? I have seen a bunch of them but have no idea which ones are good. Will they perform similar to the Audioengine D1 for digital to analog converting?   Thanks  

About pausing, the other guy asked me to run some tests on my current rig, that comment has to do with his post.   What about going Blu-ray player via optical to an Audioengine D1 to my Denon with RCA? Seems like a good setup. My only concern is the other guy said that I wouldn't notice a...

Quote: I think what it is down to is either a DAC or a new CD player, and I don't think a DAC will be a big improvement for around $200. I think a CD player is the way to go, but your point is interesting about blu-ray or HD DVD. Would both of these players play CD's as well as...

I mostly listen to classic rock, such as U2, Nickleback, Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, and Phil Collins. I'll run your tests when I get back to my dorm. Based on your quote and other info I think a CD player would benefit me quite a bit. The pioneer is a 200 disc changer, which I am guessing means...

My Denon does not have the correct outputs for an amp, that is why the first post listed the Little Dot and a D3 as an option. So a thicker more high quality 3.5mm cable would sound just as good as RCA? Thank you for the tip on upgrade order, although I did most recently upgrade my...

Wow, I was under the impression that headphone amps contributed to the sound significantly. So a DAC upgrade wouldn't be significant either? Also, this is a bit off topic but, is there a sound quality difference between a RCA stereo connection an a 3.5mm stereo connection? Thanks, you have...

I'm looking for better sound, what I have does the job, but I can tell it is lacking a bit in SQ. So my question is, will an amp or DAC give me a more significant SQ increase in this specific setup? The follow up question being, which DAC or amplifier+DAC would give me the best sound for...

My current set-up is begging for an upgrade, I can't decide if I should go with an Amp or DAC. I need to stay right around $200 range as I am a student, and books don't pay for themselves. My current setup is as follows.   Kenwood CD-323M> Denon AVR-1611> Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro 250 Ohm  ...