broc3
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2011
- Posts
- 11
- Likes
- 11
Thanks for providing such a great community! I'm just starting to dive into head-fi (this is my first post), and I am overwhelmed with all of the knowledge and help provided in these forums ... now onto my question
I have a pair of previously loved D5000 on their way. Now the question is - "Which dac/amp to get/build?"
As far as sources go, I have a Macbook Pro, which will be my primary source (so I need either a USB or optical input ... optical preferred to decouple the laptop's electrical noise from the amp).
The only other source that I might use is my DAP, but amping this and having a portable unit is a "like-to-have" not a "must-have".
I am a grad student & I need to keep my wife happy with me so keeping the total cost at or below $170 is ideal.
Based off of what I've read so far, the best matches that I've found are Aune, uDAC, and possibly preowned FiiO E7/E9.
Additionally, I am willing to mod/diy if the improved quality is sufficient (I already have the technical skills and equipment). Possibly a Starving Student plus some DAC to be determined? (edit: disregard the starving student option ... even though the name appeals to me and my current situation ... I have read enough posts voicing displeasure with pairing Denons with tube amps to make me wary of this option ... I've added further DIY options in the follow-up post)
As far as music is concerned, I enjoy everything (I listen to blues, techno, rock, jazz, and string based classical music more than the others ... roughly in the order listed).
Thanks! ... Of course, let me know if there is some other info that I can provide.
p.s. - I plan on markl modding the D5000's based off of the reviews here, but I will certainly listen to them first to make up my own mind
I have a pair of previously loved D5000 on their way. Now the question is - "Which dac/amp to get/build?"
As far as sources go, I have a Macbook Pro, which will be my primary source (so I need either a USB or optical input ... optical preferred to decouple the laptop's electrical noise from the amp).
The only other source that I might use is my DAP, but amping this and having a portable unit is a "like-to-have" not a "must-have".
I am a grad student & I need to keep my wife happy with me so keeping the total cost at or below $170 is ideal.
Based off of what I've read so far, the best matches that I've found are Aune, uDAC, and possibly preowned FiiO E7/E9.
Additionally, I am willing to mod/diy if the improved quality is sufficient (I already have the technical skills and equipment). Possibly a Starving Student plus some DAC to be determined? (edit: disregard the starving student option ... even though the name appeals to me and my current situation ... I have read enough posts voicing displeasure with pairing Denons with tube amps to make me wary of this option ... I've added further DIY options in the follow-up post)
As far as music is concerned, I enjoy everything (I listen to blues, techno, rock, jazz, and string based classical music more than the others ... roughly in the order listed).
Thanks! ... Of course, let me know if there is some other info that I can provide.
p.s. - I plan on markl modding the D5000's based off of the reviews here, but I will certainly listen to them first to make up my own mind