[aphinity]

Hi all,
 
Can anyone recommend good alternatives to the DacMagic Plus to drive headphones and monitors?  Something that might be a better value?  I'm willing to spend $500ish though....
 
Thanks!

 

[Mauricio]

The DACMagic Plus is a terrific value, and it can drive monitors without a problem from either its balanced or unbalanced line outputs.  The main problem with its headphone amp is its high output impedance.

 

[aphinity]

Quote:

The DACMagic Plus is a terrific value, and it can drive monitors without a problem from either its balanced or unbalanced line outputs.  The main problem with its headphone amp is its high output impedance.

 
yeah, i just got the Grado MS 2is.  wondering if the DacMagic+ will be able to adequately drive them?
 
from my research so far, I gather good alternatives are:
 

1. Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11
2. Nuforce Icon HDP
3. Yulong D100 MKII
4. Matrix Mini i 24 192

 

[aphinity]

Audiolab M-DAC looks like a real nice option.  little out of my price range of $500-$600 though...
 

 

[aphinity]

and of course gotta consider the Apogee Duet:
 

 

[aphinity]

anyone?  apogee duet 2 or dacmagic plus?     hmmmmmmm........

 

[Dreaming Of A Better ...]

matrix quattro ?

 

[aphinity]

leaning towards the Music Hall DAC 25.3 now.  integrate headphone amp is convenient.  my grado ms-2is need a new buddy.......