[Kepic]

woo! my rig is finally half way there
 
the only one left: a standalone DAC
 
with hundreds brand available on the market, it's really hard to pick one
 
I've already narrow down to the following 
 
1. Lead Audio LA-100
 
2. EE MiniMax
 
3. StageDAC
 
Could anyone share their thoughts / impression with HD800?
 
or is there any other recommendation? 
 
my budget is under 700 USD / AUD
 
my current setup is
 
Macbook Pro -> optical out -> icon HDP -> HD800
 
the Violectric V200 will be delivered next week, hope I can find a DAC soon to complete the rig.
 
my music is mostly alternative / electronic / soundtrack / with a very small portion of classic
 
 
Thanks everyone

 

[Timestretch]

You can definitely find a used Benchmark DAC1 for that price, maybe even a DAC1 USB if you stretch it; and that's pretty much as transparent and neutral and non-colored as a DAC can possibly get.  
  
Anyway, the DAC1 I have was my first upgrade up away from the Nuforce Icon HD (allegedly identical in dac/amp implementation as your HDP) I had, so I'm naturally biased for it. Still, check reviews and graphs, DAC1 is some really legit stuff.

 

[Philharmoniker]

So your headphone is 1500 dollars, and your amp is around 1000. I don't think you should stoop down to 700 for your DAC, unless you go for used ones.

 

[Kepic]

Quote:

You can definitely find a used Benchmark DAC1 for that price, maybe even a DAC1 USB if you stretch it; and that's pretty much as transparent and neutral and non-colored as a DAC can possibly get.  
  
Anyway, the DAC1 I have was my first upgrade up away from the Nuforce Icon HD (allegedly identical in dac/amp implementation as your HDP) I had, so I'm naturally biased for it. Still, check reviews and graphs, DAC1 is some really legit stuff.

 
DAC1 is interesting but it doesn't have a 115V / 230V switch, I'll move back from Australia (230V) to Taiwan (115V) this July so I hope the
 
DAC could offer the power switch.
 
Thanks for your recommendation  
 
 

 

[Kepic]

Quote:

So your headphone is 1500 dollars, and your amp is around 1000. I don't think you should stoop down to 700 for your DAC, unless you go for used ones.

Yeah, a used one is considered. 
 
Could you offer your recommendation? 
 
Thanks

 

[raysclim1568]

Just  went to Benchmark website , their refurnish DAC1 is going at USD700. 
good deal. 
 
for the voltage portion ,  just use the step up transformer in between the countries that you travel .
 
I too , just had a Violelectric V200 and I am just using my fostex HP-P1 as DAC for it (using a mini line out - RCA cable connection). 
No ideal , but work for me at this time until I have enough $$ for a dedicated DAC and a source too.
 
Cheers
 
Quote:

Quote:

So your headphone is 1500 dollars, and your amp is around 1000. I don't think you should stoop down to 700 for your DAC, unless you go for used ones.

Yeah, a used one is considered. 
 
Could you offer your recommendation? 
 
Thanks