[Veniogenesis]

Hi everyone!

I'm looking for a new DAC + Headphone Amplifier in one unit for around $1000. I'm currently considering the:
- PS Audio GCHA (through USB)
- Headroom Desktop Amplifier with Home Amplifier and Home DAC modules
- Lavry DA10
- Apogee Mini-DAC

If there are any rather noteworthy units that I have missed, please let me know.

So I'll be using those units through their DAC sections.

I'm looking for speed, clarity, details, and punch. I will be using low impedance headphones such as the SA5K, A-T woodies, and Grados. Suggestions and comments please!

Cheers and thanks,
Venio

 

[slwiser]

Note that this Headroom option requires a dedicated power supply priced at an additional 399$.

I went with the Lavry. Then you are ready for your next step, a new amp later. See my sig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis Hi everyone! I'm looking for a new DAC + Headphone Amplifier in one unit for around $1000. I'm currently considering the: - PS Audio GCHA (through USB) - Headroom Desktop Amplifier with Home Amplifier and Home DAC modules - Lavry DA10 - Apogee Mini-DAC If there are any rather noteworthy units that I have missed, please let me know. So I'll be using those units through their DAC sections. I'm looking for speed, clarity, details, and punch. I will be using low impedance headphones such as the SA5K, A-T woodies, and Grados. Suggestions and comments please! Cheers and thanks, Venio

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser Note that this Headroom option requires a dedicated power supply priced at an additional 399$.

Hmm, interesting. I was under the impression that the dedicated PS was not required but recommended.

Regards,
Venio

 

[jpelg]

Benchmark DAC1
Grace 901
Grace 902

 

[Liver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpelg Benchmark DAC1

how does the upgraded DAC in the headroom dacs compare to the benchmark? i do realize the headroom modules are 1/2 the price.

and more to the OP question, how is the synergy between the Benchmark (amp/dac) and the headroom amp/dac (Serious Audiophile Package for $2000)?

 

[Vic]

I use the Lavry DA10 in my work rig fed by FLAC on a iRiver H140 directely connected to the W5000 and I am very happy with it: it is a very convenient small footprint, all-in-one solution. The headphone jack drives low Z can very well IMO, forget about high z like HD650 or DT880 though.
Actually today just for a laugh I brought to work one of the power chords I use at home (a Black Sand Violet Z1) and the Lavry + W5000 had a huge jump of quality (there are dozens of computer and printers connected on the line, so a PC can make a big difference): today I really loved my work rig

.

Of the other possibility listed here I have tried the Benchmark and I think is a capable DAC, a bit too bright for my taste, but that can appeal others; if you don't plan to use a dedicated amp though I would certainly go with the Lavry, as it also gives you a very good amp for low Z cans.
BTW you don't specify your transport.

 

[donunus]

How would you compare just the amp section of the lavry da10 against the ray samuels amps starting with the hornet.

 

[mateo05]

You probably won't need the outboard PSU for that particular Headroom combo: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showp...4&postcount=64

I must say that I was quite happy with my old Micro Stack/Senn combo, but I have no idea how the Headroom lineup would synergize with your preferred headphones.

 

[donunus]

Ive heard about the zhaolu a lot. How does that dac stand up against the lavrys dac? Is its amp decent? Nobody here has really talked about the zhalou with discrete amp. It looks very good to boot

 

[slwiser]

This is right off the Headroom site, so it is the max module that requires the DPS and not the one you were thinking about:

CAVEAT: Please be aware that any module and/or DAC choice above the stock Desktop module & basic Desktop DAC will require the use of the separately-sold Desktop Power Supply (DPS, $399.00usd) in order to truly realize the full sonic potential of the upgraded module/DAC. The 'Max' module and the 'Max' DAC will NOT operate properly without the DPS. Remember that these deep 'Class A', high-end electronic components are EXTREMELY power-hungry and demand instantaneous, precise and perfectly regulated AC current delivery to sound their best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis Hmm, interesting. I was under the impression that the dedicated PS was not required but recommended. Regards, Venio

 

[TheSloth]

To be honest I don't think they've actually sat down and tested all of the configs over at HeadRoom, so put that disclaimer as a general principle.

Home Amp + Home DAC will probably work, but neither they nor I will guarantee it. I will however guarantee Max + Desktop as working fine, as I run such a combination from time to time. Of course, if the guys over at HeadRoom would make a convertible that has socketed DAC's as well I could put that one to rest once and for all...

 

[Veniogenesis]

I've given the topic some more thought, and I think I might have to drop the Lavry from consideration. I'm going to go simple first and get an unit with a USB input. That would also eliminate the DAC1 from consideration. (Actually, I've heard the DAC1 extensively before and was rather unimpressed.)

So I guess it comes down to the GCHA, Mini-DAC, and HR Desktop.

I was thinking about the CEC DA53 before but apparently the headphone-out isn't that good. It sounds like a great DAC though. Blah.



Edit: Or is it worth it to get the Transit and then get the Lavry despite the added complexity? (I will be carrying my setup around quite often.)

 

[jjcha]

I'd keep your range of DACs open. The M-Audio Transit isn't a bad way to do it, since you know you can get a clean digital out out of it.

Best,

-Jason