[Henley224]

Hello all
 
I've done some reading and searched this board but would like some assurance. The headphone jack on my laptop is buggered, i had previously used it to feed my audioengine a2's and ear buds. The sound wasn't great but i never had the impetus to remedy it, now i do. 
 
My question is what budget DAC to buy. I've read good things about the HiFimeDIY sabre DAC and at £35 delivered it seems like a bargain. Would i be better off with this of the FiiO E10 Olympus (£65)?
 
Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.

 

[cel4145]

The HiFimeDIY sabre DAC is a good choice. But I am pretty sure you will need a headphone amp to go with it to use with your headphones.

 

[brunk]

The HiFimeDIY sabre DAC is a good choice. But I am pretty sure you will need a headphone amp to go with it to use with your headphones.

it can be used as a headphone amp as well

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2

 

[uncola]

Another vote for the hifimediy sabre dac.  I had it and it was great.  Sound quality will be higher than the e10.  But the e10 has a built in amp and can get louder

 

[nagual]

Quote:

Hello all
 
I've done some reading and searched this board but would like some assurance. The headphone jack on my laptop is buggered, i had previously used it to feed my audioengine a2's and ear buds. The sound wasn't great but i never had the impetus to remedy it, now i do. 
 
My question is what budget DAC to buy. I've read good things about the HiFimeDIY sabre DAC and at £35 delivered it seems like a bargain. Would i be better off with this of the FiiO E10 Olympus (£65)?
 
Any advice would be appreciated, cheers.

 
Have you found the Sabre on sale ?  Everywhere I look it is out of stock.
Thanks in advance !

 

[Merck]

Lots to choose from, thats certain.

 

[shado]

I'm also in the market for a budget DAC.
 
Compare other suggestions with the one in this thread http://www.head-fi.org/t/617241/audioquest-dragonfly-review-affordable-outstanding-tiny-dac-amp

 

[nagual]

Seems to me, the dragonfly plays in an other league (price wise).

 

[shado]

True, but might be worth the extra $$$?
I wouldn't know. I'm here to find out.

 

[cel4145]

Consider what your other uses might be. For example, could use use a headphone amp with a portable media player? If so, separates might work better for you. You can get the HRT Music Streamer II for $99 in this open box deal. Then a C&C BH or Fiio E12 would put you in the same budget range as the Dragonfly. Only now you would have a headphone amp to use with an iPod or smartphone.

 

[shado]

Quote:

Consider what your other uses might be. For example, could use use a headphone amp with a portable media player? If so, separates might work better for you. You can get the HRT Music Streamer II for $99 in this open box deal. Then a C&C BH or Fiio E12 would put you in the same budget range as the Dragonfly. Only now you would have a headphone amp to use with an iPod or smartphone.

What if your headphones are already amped? What difference would that make ?

 

[cel4145]

If your headphones are already amped, then get just a DAC.

What kind of headphones do you have?

 

[shado]

Quote:

If your headphones are already amped, then get just a DAC.

What kind of headphones do you have?

ath m50's

 

[cel4145]

ath m50's

So you need a headphone amp, too