[kimsnarf]

I'm looking to get a better/dedicated DAC and possibly a new DAC/amp combo.

I already use a Corda Aria as a DAC/amp for my AKG K701. This is my preferred headphone (I've owned DT880, DT990 and HD650) but the synergy could be better. In particular I'm looking for a fuller, more punchy sound (bottom end) without losing soundstage and openness. From what I've read, the Stello DA100 (AK4395) could fit the bill and has more authority than the Corda Opera (PCM1794). But is the Aria an adequate amp for this source? Or would the Opera be a better DAC/amp solution?

I'm also considering using the DA100 with a better amp, e.g. DAC-less Opera, HP100, GS1, CanAmp or even a Denon DRA-CX3

(small 50W speaker amp). But I believe the source is the most critical upgrade (garbage in, garbage out) and would prefer a fairly neutral amp. I know the Aria will benefit from a better DAC (from listening to it with a NAD M5 CDP). The cheap Aria DAC (PCM2704) is mostly a convenience and doesn't do the amp justice.

Finally, I want a DAC that I can also build a speaker system around, and the DA100 is more flexible than the Opera in this regard (separate component with line-outs and more inputs).

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[pkjames]

this is interesting, looking forward to see what ppl say.

 

[vcoheda]

i would get the stello da100 and then a separate headphone amp. the advantages of the dac/amp combos mostly relate to space, practicality, and budget, but in the long run, i think they are poorer investments and somewhat short sighted, for if you want to upgrade one part of the unit (the dac or amp), you are then wasting money on the unused portion. get a good source, the most you can afford, and then build around that. a da100 is a solid dac. if you purchase that, i think it will stay in your system for a good while, despite others changes.

 

[Patu]

DA100 works very nice as a source for both my headphone rig and my speaker rig. Though it only has one output, so I have to loop it through the HP100 (which has pre-amp output). I'd prefer loop out but it works this way also.

 

[kimsnarf]

I'm now a firm believer in the Source First philosophy! =)

Yesterday I listened to my K701 through the new Denon CX3 "mini" speaker rig, consisting of the DRA-CX3 amplifier and the DCD-CX3 CD-player. Since I'm planning on buying speakers I'm interested in a relatively small amplifier that has good headphone performance as well. I was very impressed by the sound! Especially when compared to just my Aria DAC/amp. The sound was, in fact, much better: fuller, more punch, more detail and more alive. The sound (especially treble) was simply more pleasant to the ear, and best of all, the K701 finally had a solid bass foundation! Me want!

I also compared the DRA-CX3 amp with my Aria on the same source (DCD-CX3). The sound was again much more impressive (and pleasant) than from the Aria DAC, leading me to conclude that the source is definitely the most important component here. The DRA-CX3 was a better amplifier though. The sound felt more alive and "big" than on the Aria, which felt softer, duller and somewhat lacking in power.

My next step is investing in a good source. I'm not interested in a CD-player so I have to find a comparatively good dedicated DAC. I'll likely try the Stello DA100 first and pair it with the DRA-CX3 (and the Aria). Hopefully the combination will also sound as good with the Dali Mentor 2 speakers (that I'm planning on buying) as the DCD-CX3 did. Stay tuned!