goober-george
1000+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2007
- Posts
- 1,169
- Likes
- 49
I've been out of the hi-fi loop for a while now.What's the best value amp in this price range. If it's a USB/DAC amp as well that'd be a plus. Thanks in advance.
I've been out of the hi-fi loop for a while now.What's the best value amp in this price range. If it's a USB/DAC amp as well that'd be a plus. Thanks in advance.
I just got the HRT Microstreamer and it makes my Grados sing! Dac/Amp combo too, so that'll be a benefit to you. Super clean unit, very smooth sound signature. Here's a review from Mike Mercer: http://positive-feedback.com/Issue65/microstreamer.htm And some impressions from Steve Guttenberg: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57570860-47/a-budget-priced-audiophile-usb-digital-converter/ If you do wind up getting it, I recommend running it at 24bit/96k, even if your files are lower-quality than that. I found some sonic oddities running it at 16bit/44.1k
i had to play with the settings a bit myself , between windows and jriver, but once i got it, killer sound
Glad I wasn't the only one! That aside, I agree: killer sound.
I'm very happy with the ODAC and Little Dot I+ with my SR325is.
i had emailed hrt, kevin halverson explained what was happening, gave a couple of options, i found the right settings pretty easily.
as for the little dot, i've never used one, but i do have a bravo hybrid amp, the grado's do love tubes , i may try a little dot one day
little dot doesn't have a dac/amp combo, but , the aune t1 is a dac/amp, with a tube dac, pre-outs, and multiple gain settings
its under $200, i've heard good things about it, it may be worth investigating
GCooper makes a good point about circumstances though
just desktop? portability? use with speakers ? etc
i don't need a unit to be portable, i would like to be able to use the unit to control my speakers though
a schiit magni/modi is a great set up for desktop/headphone use,great sound, very good warranty and support
with cables and shipping, a hair over $200, schiit has a great rep, just check threads here !
there are several ways to go
Wow the Micro HRT Streamer is very intriguing due to just how small and portable it is. Plus, seems pretty seems good to use for portable use with iems as well. Thanks guys.