Cheap DAC for MBP?

[pikasu321]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought an AKG K1000, and am in the process of finding the right AMP/DAC to use with it. In the meantime, I'm using a weird old amp that I got for free (I think it's a Aura Evolution VA100...). Since I'm using my mbp as my source, and it doesn't have line-out (except for optical), I need a cheap temporary dac to connect between my mbp and the amp.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[uraflit]

do you need it NOW? cuz you can save up that cash and spend it on a GREAT source... the K1000 is no slouch, and will demand good gear.

and i can recommend the emu 0404 usb for optical! (i am a bit biased lol)

 

[Currawong]

If the AKG1000s are anything like the Stax I listen with, you'll want to spend something very serious on a DAC. Why a temporary DAC though?

I'd get something that will be useful down the track, such as an EMU404 which will connect via USB or Firewire yet allow you to output using coax to a better DAC later on.

 

[Cankin]

Not exactly cheap, but really good sounding.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/he...-price-413230/

 

[Gberg]

I wonder how the pico DAC would compare to those in its price range

 

[obobskivich]

probably "poorly" in the sense that part of its price is portability (its just designed for a different market), although, differences between D/A's are generally minor unless you're taking massive steps in $$

I would suggest that the op get a good source, but I don't think it needs to be as far as "get something very serious spending wise", just get something good (who cares what it costs)

the amplifier is what you should be spending the money on, and no, you cannot drive these from a USB DAC/amp combo, they're too hungry for that, so I would look into the high-end forum (theres a big thread about amp suggestions for the K1000) and find an amplifier that will pair nicely with them, and then add a source to that (Cambridge DACMagic comes to mind, as it gives you many features, and isn't overly expensive), you'll need some sort of digital transport, be it a computer, CDP, etc as well

 

[Cankin]

Pico sounds surprisingly good even if you compare it to some higher end home DACs. There are many impression, comparison and review by experienced members out there.

If you use Mac, you can also take a look at Apogee Duet but it's more expensive than Pico DAC. Another one is gamma 1, you can ask MisterX to build you one.

 

[npcraig]

Your MBP has optical so you could get an iBasso D10 which has optical too, I have a MBP and use that as my Amp/DAC

 

[Haoting]

The Tianyun Zero DAC is still the best value out there. Just buy it from eBay.

 

[krmathis]

No suggestions for a cheap DAC, but I still want to comment.
You certainly don't want to match the K1000 with mediocre components. Its a very demanding and transparent pair of headphone, which will unwrap and show all faults in the upstream components.

So sure hope its just temporary, as you mention!

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif No suggestions for a cheap DAC, but I still want to comment. You certainly don't want to match the K1000 with mediocre components. Its a very demanding and transparent pair of headphone, which will unwrap and show all faults in the upstream components. So sure hope its just temporary, as you mention!

^ listen to the man.

 

[pikasu321]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I want something temporary, because I do want to buy a "proper" dac + amp for the k1000 at some point, but am trying to save some money right now (economic crisis and all...). Going from headphone out from the mbp to my amp sounds horrible, and I figured I can get a significant upgrade just by getting any usb dac.

Btw, which DACs are considered "proper" or good enough for the K1000? I knew posting here was a bad idea...

 

[FallenAngel]

Hope you mean "Separate good amp and DAC" by "dac + amp", you won't drive the K1000 off some integrated unit.

No such thing as "just a usb dac", some are good, some are not.

No DACs are "proper" to drive K1000, it is a D/A converter, not an amp.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hope you mean "Separate good amp and DAC" by "dac + amp", you won't drive the K1000 off some integrated unit. No such thing as "just a usb dac", some are good, some are not. No DACs are "proper" to drive K1000, it is a D/A converter, not an amp.

but myths are fun!

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pikasu321 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the suggestions guys. I want something temporary, because I do want to buy a "proper" dac + amp for the k1000 at some point, but am trying to save some money right now (economic crisis and all...). Going from headphone out from the mbp to my amp sounds horrible, and I figured I can get a significant upgrade just by getting any usb dac. Btw, which DACs are considered "proper" or good enough for the K1000? I knew posting here was a bad idea...

Ok, I understand you...
Perhaps the HeadAmp Pico would be a nice interim DAC? The DAC/Amp is highly regarded, so I suspect the DAC only will be great as well.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/he...-price-413230/