Best DAC/AMP Combo on the market?
Oct 30, 2012 at 1:21 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 12
OICWUTUDIDTHAR

OICWUTUDIDTHAR

Aka: DroppingDimes; trapper1, OGKoosh, kappachino, Yajirobe1
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USB as the source from my computer. Needs to be able to power HE-400 Cans and have an RCA/XLR out so I can run some powered monitors.
 
Can spend up to $500.
 
Oct 30, 2012 at 2:35 PM Post #2 of 12
Oct 30, 2012 at 2:43 PM Post #3 of 12
Personally I love my Audio Gd NFB-10 (someone is selling one for under $500 currently in the classifieds) but it may be a bit overkill. The NFB-12.1 does everything you need (minus XLR outputs has RCA), the Matrix Mini-i, Asus Essence One, Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus(a little over budget could get used in budget). There are many other all in ones that provide preamp/preout functions there are not many that have balanced outputs though (XLR). 
 
 
I don't think any of these of these meet the criteria, he needs preout function.
Quote:
wolfetan44 said:
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48
Or
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=2
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
Or
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=1
http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46
Click to expand...

 
Oct 30, 2012 at 7:26 PM Post #5 of 12
Check out the NFB-12.1,
around $215 plus shipping.
 
Oct 31, 2012 at 1:50 AM Post #7 of 12
Quote:
oicwutudidthar said:
Would that be an upgrade over the XOnar Essence STX?
Click to expand...

Do you currently own an Essence STX or just weighting all options?
I'm a biased Xonar fan and Essence STX owner, so I would be happy as a clam, with STX, HE-400 & powered speakers.
Spending $500 for a DAC/Amp. is not something I've research on.
Is this just for music? or will you need surround sound for movies?
 
Oct 31, 2012 at 1:53 AM Post #8 of 12
I own the STX. I am very pleased with the DAC performance for my Monitors (I am pretty sure it uses one of the best Burson DAC's on the market) the headphone amp is a little lack luster for me HE-400's though.
 
Oct 31, 2012 at 2:02 AM Post #9 of 12
Quote:
oicwutudidthar said:
I own the STX. I am very pleased with the DAC performance for my Monitors (I am pretty sure it uses one of the best Burson DAC's on the market) the headphone amp is a little lack luster for me HE-400's though.
Click to expand...

You did disable the motherboard's built in audio? in the Bios.
Have you tried getting the "Unified Xonar Drivers" from the website Brainbit.
For around $60 you could try replacing the 3 op-amps (operational amplifiers), get the LME49990 op-amps, off eBay, ships from Canada.
 
Try asking in this thread for amping the HE-400s
http://www.head-fi.org/t/604583/hifiman-he-400-review
 
Nov 1, 2012 at 12:13 PM Post #11 of 12
From someone who's owned both and moved on, the balanced out on the NFB-10 is noticeably better (more air, better dynamics) than NFB-12. Single ended is slightly better due to the beefier power supply and better components.
 
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