| Originally Posted by Luckyleo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm using the Pico with AKG-701's. I have to tell you that in my opinion it sounds significantly better with the DAC setup rather than using the amp section in portable mode. That being said, based on what I've read it seems that a good desktop amp/dac combo should beat the above mentioned setup. I'm ordering a Gilmore Lite with Justin's new Pico/Dac only. I'm optimistic that I'll see some noticable improvement. Good Luck |
| Originally Posted by blessingx /img/forum/go_quote.gif We're getting a lot of different responses. In my experience you'd have to spend nearly what the Pico costs on just an amp to surpass it with power hungry full-sized cans. It shouldn't be surprising that the Pico can be beat if price and size is not a concern, but what is surprising is how well it performs for its cost (and size). You decide how you want to divide the ratio of the $500, arguably the DAC is its strong suite (and I know a few that use it for home DAC duties - thus the new version), but then again Headamp shoots for transparency in their amps. If memory serves Senns were used for testing during the design so those power hungry cans were considered by Justin. Because of practicalities my Pico doesn't get a lot of head-time, but whenever I use it I'm always amazed at its performance. I should also mention the iBasso D2 Boa sounds very good also, though I never heard it with high impedance cans. And Styleaudio's Topaz feature-set is impressive, but who knows about performance? Finally, if on a Mac the Apogee Duet's DAC is a killer, but the Pico beats it when higher power drive is required on the amp section. |
| Originally Posted by Kclone /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a Mac and I am in the market for a DAC, I won't be using the amp section as I already have both full sized and portable amps, which DAC would you recommend? Isn't the Duet a little on the bright side? |
