[Mountainsmith]

Hi all,

Would like to have your suggestions. I'm looking for an Amp or DAC/Amp combo (both are desktop) that can bring the potential of my headphone

. Here are the details.

Souce: MacBook, w/ USB and optical
Headphone: Beyerdynamic DT150 (250 ohm)
Music: I listen to a bit of everything, including 70s 80s rock, electronica, classical. In CDs, DVDs, mp3.
Budget: $200-300

From old posts, some suggested ibasso D10, E-MU 0404 USB and the Firestone FUBAR III.

1. What is your choice? My main concern is to have an Amp or DAC/Amp that can push the cans. Only MacBook isn't enough.
2. USB or Optical?

Cheers.

 

[kunalraiker]

I'am very satisfied with my D4, of course it is a USB but what a USB DAC,one with 2 DACS.
D10 if you are after optical.

 

[Mountainsmith]

I see your point, but would D4 not powerful and not stable enough, as it doesn't has an AC power supply? is it the same on D10?

 

[drews]

I'd look at the Fubar IV - optical, usb inputs (prefer optical out of the MacBook), changeable opamps. Fubar IV plus adds upsampling (like Pico) for a bit more $$$. Little Dot DAC 2 might be even better (it's larger though). The iBasso D4 is also pretty good and convenient (works on USB or battery power).