Been away For A While and Looking for Suggestions....

[spaceman]

Looking for a bedside set up to go my nightstand and to use with my 30g Ipod. Currently using a HeadRoom Micro amp with AKG K81s. Looking to utilize my iPod with a DAC via Wadia iTransport.

1. Looking for DAC (leaning toward Headroom Micro DAC of Cambridge Audio Magic DAC).

2. Must be under $700/$800

Looking for opinions or any reasonable suggestions. Please do not suggest a CDP...not interested. Thanks.

 

[mbd2884]

Audio-gd DAC-100 is only $249, if it's going to be $800, look at Audio-gd's higher quality DACs.

They have a few they have a DSP and using 4 PCM1704UK D/As.

Audio-gd DAC-3 DV : This may be in your price range, price not set yet, and well looks amazing doesn't it? Aren't you curious?

 

[Happy Camper]

Wow. Nice.

 

[paulybatz]

If I had a spare 700...it all depends tube or SS

SS it would have to be LISA...especially BC you have an ipod.

Tubed WOO WA6 with pseudo power supply...that is what I am looking into but just not in the cards.

 

[scott_d_m]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulybatz /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I had a spare 700...it all depends tube or SS SS it would have to be LISA...especially BC you have an ipod. Tubed WOO WA6 with pseudo power supply...that is what I am looking into but just not in the cards.

He's looking for a dac not an amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbd2884 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Audio-gd DAC-100 is only $249, if it's going to be $800, look at Audio-gd's higher quality DACs. They have a few they have a DSP and using 4 PCM1704UK D/As. Audio-gd DAC-3 DV : This may be in your price range, price not set yet, and well looks amazing doesn't it? Aren't you curious?

The OP did say it was a bedside rig...seems a little big for a nightstand.



I'm currently using a Ultra Micro Dac and really enjoy it's sound sig. which to my ears is very analog sounding. Plus you can get them for $599USD and will be a perfect match for the Micro Amp.

 

[mbd2884]

Well maybe he can wait for the Reference 3 then? That uses the same DSP as one I posted, but instead of 4, uses 2 PCM1704UKs.

It will also be using a casing about size of the Compass, perfect for bedside rig. I got no picture for it, but I'm sure can imagine still packed full and impressive. And still uses current technology and CAST.

Good luck though in your search, looks to be a tough decision, lots of cool stuff!

 

[spaceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott_d_m /img/forum/go_quote.gif He's looking for a dac not an amp. The OP did say it was a bedside rig...seems a little big for a nightstand. I'm currently using a Ultra Micro Dac and really enjoy it's sound sig. which to my ears is very analog sounding. Plus you can get them for $599USD and will be a perfect match for the Micro Amp.

This is what I've been leaning toward. Sould mate well with the Wadia iTransport with coaxials. Is there a huge difference between the Ultra Micro and Micro DACs other than price)? Thanks to all for the responses.

 

[kbug]

May I suggest a Meier Opera? You get a great DAC and an amazing amp. I have one for sale on the Buy & Sell forum now.

 

[compuryan]

I can't let a DAC thread go buy without recommending the Benchmark! Well, I think its just a great value for the money, I love mine. There is a 9/10 Benchmark DAC1 on Audiogon right now for $689: AudiogoN ForSale: Benchmark DAC1

 

[scott_d_m]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaceman /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is what I've been leaning toward. Sould mate well with the Wadia iTransport with coaxials. Is there a huge difference between the Ultra Micro and Micro DACs other than price)? Thanks to all for the responses.

While I can't comment on how the Ultra compares the the Micro, what I can say is that I'm enjoying the Ultra dac so much that I just put my beloved Rega Apollo up for sale. Both have very similar sound quality and since the dac is more versatile, I decided to part with the Rega.

 

[spaceman]

This whole DAC thing with the iPod is a pain in the ass. I need a bedside setup and don't want to deal with iPod>iTransport>DAC>amp cluttering up my nightstand.

How about this setup....iPod in ALO Dock>Meier Arietta. Anyone familiar with ALO docks? I've had a number of Meier amps, so I'm very comfortable there.