Choosing a portable dac/amp for Sony MDR-MA900 & Audio Technica ATH-ES7
May 17, 2013 at 7:23 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 4

mgunin

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Hello,
 
I would like to get some advice on this topic. My budget is USD 200-600. I would like some universal solution which can be used with PC/Mac, Cowon D2+ and iPhone/iPod.
 
Here are some candidates I have found so far:
 
- FIIO E17 (approx. USD 130-150, a very budget option with some good reviews, but I'm not sure if it's good enough for Sony)
- iBasso D6 (USD 275)
- iBasso D12 (USD 285)
- iBasso D7 (non-portable, but seems good for PC, USD 179)
- ALO National (AMP only, USD 299)
- Portaphine 627 (AMP only, USD 499)
- RSA Predator (USD 475)
- ALO International (USD 599)
 
Mainly I'm interested in getting the most out of Sony (which is great but, as I've read, not easy) to amplify as a 12-oHm model), but improving the ATH-ES7's quality is also very desirable.
 
My main preference is jazz music, and I'd really love to try some hi-res recordings (24/96, for example).
 
Please, advice what would you choose and what is better to start with - a combo or maybe an amplifier only (not sure how it will work with PC/Mac's onboard sound card - maybe you could advice some). What will be more important in general - amplifier or DAC?
 
I will be glad to consider other options as well. Thanks in advance!
 
May 21, 2013 at 3:54 PM Post #2 of 4
So, any ideas? :) I've also found Sony PHA-1 model, but not sure if it will work for MDR-MA900.
 
Jan 24, 2014 at 6:39 PM Post #3 of 4
I don't know if you still follow this thread but I would like to know the same thing. The Fiio E17 actually sounds pretty good with MA900 but they don't have that much clarity with that combo. Is there any amp/dac that has a similar sound sig to E17 but with more clarity?
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 6:31 PM Post #4 of 4
I went on with HRT microStreamer and pretty happy with it.
 

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