Amp Suggestions? Neeed Help.

[Elluzion]

Well recently sold My MisterX^Mini^3 because I wanted an Amp with a DAC. I will be powering my Ultrasone 750 Proline and Livewires. Portable will probably be the best. It would be nice to bring around, but not a necessity since the 750s and livewires don't need much to power them... I was looking into the Ibasso D2,

Budget: $200 firm, but willing to bend up $25 if needed.

IDEAS?

ALSO I need to be able to hook the amp up to my Ipod... through LOD

 

[TSi]

For 200$ total, i really doubt u can get a desktop amp (tube)

 

[Elluzion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSi /img/forum/go_quote.gif For 200$ total, i really doubt u can get a desktop amp (tube)

Oh well I saw a little dot (tube) not sure the model not long ago for around $200 or so... so wasn't sure. but yeah portable amp is more realistic..

 

[Zerachiel]

Little Dot MK 2 II Headphone Amp Amplifier/Pre-Amp! - eBay (item 190214464080 end time Apr-20-08 08:16:25 PDT)

This?

If you can get 20 USD more, try the Darkvoice Figaro, I think that might work out.

 

[Uncle Erik]

The Eddie Current Lunchbox II is worth the stretch to $225.

Lunch Box

 

[Elluzion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Eddie Current Lunchbox II is worth the stretch to $225. Lunch Box

oooh that lunch box is nice. How would I hook it up to my computer/?

 

[Elluzion]

Here is what I need in an amp:

1. Be able to play it through my Ipod (from LOD to mini)

2. Be able to use it as a DAC to my Laptop/Computer


Can you hook up portables to Desktop amps such as the Lunchbox?

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Eddie Current Lunchbox II is worth the stretch to $225. Lunch Box

That's $235 shipped to the U.S., and it's 150 Ohm minimum. So it would be good for my HD580 but does not seem appropriate for Ultrasones.

 

[jgonino]

Wait....what?

You want a DAC, but you are looking at an amp? I think maybe you have the two mixed up:

A DAC for your needs would take the digital signal from the laptop, and convert to analog. Then you send the analog signal from the DAC to the amp (lunchbox).

If you have a decent line-output from your computer, you can send the analog directly to the amp.

Also, you would need to either get an adapter for your LOD to convert to RCA's, or have a new LOd made with RCA outputs.




Also, x2 on the lunchbox! While it may say 150 ohm minimum on the site, you can use the ultrasones with it. Skylab has posted about using his low-Z 'phones with that amp without issue.

 

[1Time]

I suggest contacting Head-Fi member hotaudio40 through eBay and see what he recommends. Here's what he has listed on eBay.

 

[1Time]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgonino /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also, x2 on the lunchbox! While it may say 150 ohm minimum on the site, you can use the ultrasones with it. Skylab has posted about using his low-Z 'phones with that amp without issue.

I'm sure the Lunchbox II is a great deal on an amp for $235 shipped (outside the OP's budget), and I don't doubt Skylab's findings. But I do not suggest spending the entire budget on an amp IF a DAC also needs to be purchased.

 

[Elluzion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgonino /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wait....what? You want a DAC, but you are looking at an amp? I think maybe you have the two mixed up: A DAC for your needs would take the digital signal from the laptop, and convert to analog. Then you send the analog signal from the DAC to the amp (lunchbox). If you have a decent line-output from your computer, you can send the analog directly to the amp. Also, you would need to either get an adapter for your LOD to convert to RCA's, or have a new LOd made with RCA outputs. Also, x2 on the lunchbox! While it may say 150 ohm minimum on the site, you can use the ultrasones with it. Skylab has posted about using his low-Z 'phones with that amp without issue.

Now im confused lol! I want a "thing" that I can bypass my computer/laptops internal amp and go through a usb cable or RCA to "thing" and then I can listen with my headphones. Would the Lunchbox work for this?

With the Lunch box, Wouldn't I just be amplifying the Audio Out on my laptop? cuz if I hooked up RCA > mini. don't I want to bypass the internal amp?

I don't NEED to use this on a portable player.. i just want to be able to use it on a desktop / laptop....

would livewires be ok with that amp?

 

[dr dougie]

For $200 for amp+dac you are looking at a portable amp/dac, entry level used tube/ss or DIY.

For portables you could wait on a D2 but the next batch of them is not out yet. There are other options, headphonia has some Headstage Lyric Pros on ebay going for >$200.

You could build a CKKIII + Alien DAC for a little over $200 if you want to DIY using Glass Jar Audio kits - both of these look easy to do.

I personally think just getting a portable amp/dac combo is your best bet for staying around $200 though.

 

[Elluzion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr dougie /img/forum/go_quote.gif For $200 for amp+dac you are looking at a portable amp/dac, entry level used tube/ss or DIY. For portables you could wait on a D2 but the next batch of them is not out yet. There are other options, headphonia has some Headstage Lyric Pros on ebay going for >$200. You could build a CKKIII + Alien DAC for a little over $200 if you want to DIY using Glass Jar Audio kits - both of these look easy to do. I personally think just getting a portable amp/dac combo is your best bet for staying around $200 though.

Well What amps have a DAC built in that I can use with my laptop (through USB) and also work as an Amp i can use with My Ipod??

 

[Elluzion]

Oh i get it! So most amps and DAC's are seperate. Amp feeds off a DAC when connected to computer, etc. So What I need is an Amp. Well I guess I will have to get a Portable Amp With DAC>