[Nylerb]

Hi !
 
First of all, although I am new to this forum and don't know much about hifi, I did read the forum before posting here. But I still don't know what would be good for me.
 
I am looking for a good AMP + DAC combo under the 600$ price range. Here is my situation :
 
- I would like a more solide "desktop"-like settup to go with my Alienware M17 computer (I don't know if it's relevant, because I could not find "how good" is my sound card)
- Currently using the AKG 701 with a Cowon J3 + Fiio E11 AMP.
- Listening to FLAC files only (symphonic music, rock, pop, soul...).
 
 
Is there a go-to desktop AMP/DAC in my situation (because I understand I need both, right?) ? I've read for exemple that the Fiio E17 is good, but I don't see the purpose of buying a "portable" device when I intend to put it near my computer anyway. I m looking for a nice "fourniture" kind of stuff.
 
Also, something to consider for me is how easy it is to buy the product. I am living in France, and I found out that most of the high end recommanded products are not available on Amazon. Any advice on that matter ?
For exemple, the Matrix M-stage (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056ER22E/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=) is shipped from China, which seems crazy to me...^^
 
Thanks for the help !

 

[PurpleAngel]

If your into gaming and movies on you computer.
Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (fairly decent DAC). $80.
 
Dac Destroyer, USB-DAC, $50-$60, sold on eBay.
 
Amplifiers (price in USA)
Fiio E09, $100.
O2 (Objective 2), $155.
Little Dot 1+ hybrid, $150.

 

[Nylerb]

Thanks for the advices.
 
I am now considering buying a Schiit Lyr AMP. How good of an DAC would I need to go along with it ?
 

 

[HaVoC-28]

In France there is Audiophonics where m-stage is avaliable and many others (like schiit products etc)
 
http://www.audiophonics.fr/ampli-casquepreampli-matrix-c-348_390_501.html
 
 
As Amp + DAC for K701 i would advice  the Matrix M-stage USB . As DAC+AMP combo or Audio GD NFB-12.1/ NFB5.2
 
If you want the Lyr as amp , for  DAC ODAC is great for the price (peraphs destroyer too but never heard it) .

 

[Nylerb]

Quote:

In France there is Audiophonics where m-stage is avaliable and many others (like schiit products etc)
 
http://www.audiophonics.fr/ampli-casquepreampli-matrix-c-348_390_501.html
 
 
As Amp + DAC for K701 i would advice NFB-5.2

 
Wow, thanks for the site !! I feel silly not knowing this brand name before...

 

[mattybongo]

What about the grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 D/A Converter?