[WLC-1989]

Hey everyone, long time lurker here, looking for some more advice! I was aiming for just a soundcard before, but now my preferences have changed having read through many threads here.

I'm updating this initial post to take into consideration info I've garnered throughout this thread:

Let me start off by saying that my primary focus is music. I'll be using the computer for films and the odd game, but I'm financing this upgrade just for the benefits it will provide for music playback. The overwhelming majority of my music is CD quality, with only the occasional DVD-Audio (which I hasten to add, was purchased for it mastering rather than its pricey placebo function.

).

However, due to financial constraints, I'm currently using HD-595s with just my motherboard's Realtek provision. I'm therefore looking to replace this as source, or otherwise just use it for its SP-DIF output.

I have somewhere in the region of £250 to £350 to spend. I've done some reading on this forum, but most people seem to already have an amp or some other device to accommodate in their upgrade. I have nothing besides my headphones, and therefore I will need to buy either an all-in-one DAC/pre-amp/amp or a DAC and amp separately. I'm more inclined to spend in the upper-limits of my budget if the items can be used later, for instance, as a good pre-amp in a future combination.

Having done some reading, I'm interested in the Pico, but then again, I am looking for a desktop solution so would like to know how the Compass and other desktop DAC/amps in the same price range compare to the Pico. Essentially, I'd like the best sound quality I can get for £250-£350.

Could people please recommend an all-in-one DAC/amps or a separate DAC and amp which together (and in the specified budget) would give me the best sound quality?

Advice/comments/personal experiences are much appreciated!

 

[WLC-1989]

Bump?

 

[DoYouRight]

Meier Cantante. Jan's amps do great with Senns and the HD595 is no different.

For a cheaper solution try the Corda 3Move. Great unit for the price and sound!

 

[WLC-1989]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoYouRight /img/forum/go_quote.gif Meier Cantante. Jan's amps do great with Senns and the HD595 is no different. For a cheaper solution try the Corda 3Move. Great unit for the price and sound!

Thanks for the reply, DoYouRight. But am I right in saying that they are just headphone amps? I need either a soundcard for output, or a DAC and amp (or 2-in-1 device) to output to from my Realtek SP-DIF.

My dilemma is this: Would a DAC/amp/etc in my price range provide better sound quality and upgrade potential than a STX (also in my price range) by itself? I'm more keen to go the DAC route, but if I'd be getting more for my money with the STX, I'll go for that.

 

[WLC-1989]

Bump?

 

[Mr.Duck]

I had an ESI Juli@. It's a great sounding card but had problems with picking up noise from the computers components. I would advise on external soundcards only. Emu 0202 USB is about the best soundcard on a budget. Has a headphone amp but no spdif. Get one off ebay and you can sell it on when you want to upgrade for very little loss. 0404 USB is more ££ but it has spdif and still offers genuine value for money.

 

[WLC-1989]

Thanks for the reply, but again, this isn't what I'm asking.

Would a DAC/amp/etc in my price range provide better sound quality and upgrade potential than a Xonar ST/STX (also in my price range) by itself? I'm more keen to go the DAC route, but if I'd be getting more for my money with the STX, I'll go for that instead.

 

[Mr.Duck]

Then no, the STX is the best. But if you get squeeling noises from it don't say I didn't warn you.

 

[Mayzei]

The STX has EMI shielding, surely there will be no "squeeling".

Form what i have heard, the STX is a fantastic card, it rivals many top quality DAC/Amp's and i can assure you mate, as soon as i have some money, i WILL be buying one.

xx

 

[.Sup]

the Swing looks very appealing

 

[WLC-1989]

I've done some more reading, and I'm particularly interested by the Pico DAC/Amp. It works out to be around £300 + postage: Given portability isn't an issue for me, would I be paying a premium for such a portable DAC/amp, or is this just about the best amp I can get for <= £300?

Can the STX rival the Pico? Any comparisons/experience would be helpful.

 

[sihebat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WLC-1989 /img/forum/go_quote.gif or is this just about the best amp I can get for <= £300? Can the STX rival the Pico? Any comparisons/experience would be helpful.

Since I get good result from using Compass with my HD595, I want to suggest this to you as well.
I bought it for £220 including shipping + "moon" to UK.

About it comparison to Pico, I don't know.
I also want to know about Pico vs Compass. Anyone?

 

[mookowz13]

If portability is not an issue I'd opt for a desktop amp, based on the power supply alone the general consensus is you're paying a premium for portability and get better performance out of a similarly priced desktop solution.

 

[WLC-1989]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mookowz13 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If portability is not an issue I'd opt for a desktop amp, based on the power supply alone the general consensus is you're paying a premium for portability and get better performance out of a similarly priced desktop solution.

Interesting; could you please recommend a similarly priced desktop DAC/amp of comporable sound quality to the Pico, so I know where to start looking?

The whole business of pre-amp/amp/DAC is new to me, so I'm not entirely sure what I should be looking for in terms of desktop DAC/amps.

 

[gevorg]

Compass is the pre-amp/amp/DAC combo, all in one, just plug it in your computer and/or CD player and its ready to give you some sweet music.

Note that Compass as well other audiophile DACs do not support features like EAX/DTS/Dolby/5.1/etc which is commonly used in movies/games. The HD595 are good headphones but they were designed with music/movies/games in mind, not audiophile stereo listening and studio monitoring like for example HD650.

If you're happy with HD595 and not planning to upgrade them, go with STX (or maybe Xonar D2 with better chipset), it will nicely match with HD595 and give you lots of features for movies and games.