[FrEaKeR]

Hi,
I need your help!
My Headphone is the ALO Modified Ultrasone HFI-780 With 18AWG Cryo cable
and a Furutech 1/4" Plug.
Right now I'm using it with a cheap 1/8'' Adapter and an Audigy 2 ZS.
Do you think the Ultrasone could profite from a good DAC/Amp-Combo?
The Combo should have a good price-performance ratio.
I want to use it only at my PC and i don't want to use the Adapter again.
I've looked at the Emu 0404-USB, but I'm open for other choices.
Amp-wise I'm really confused.
For the DAC I wanted to spend ~350$ max.
For the Amp I wanted to spend ~500$ max.
I'm open for second hand recommendations(ebay,F/S-Forum)
and could also wait awhile and lurk at the F/S-Forum

I'm using the Headphone mainly for Metal, if this is important..
Cya and thanks for your input

 

[jpelg]

I loved my Proline 750's out of the Benchmark DAC1.

You might be able to score a non-USB version for <$850 used. Well-worth the source investment, imo.

 

[FrEaKeR]

Any Suggestions for an Amp?
Thanks

 

[DemonicLemming]

A lot less than your budget, but I like my 780s out of my Travagan White. Adds a good bit of detail and precision, opens the soundstage up a bit, and adds a bit of power to the mids.

Big home rig will probably be a Darkvoice 336SE and possibly an Opus DAC, if I can find someone selling the assembled finished unit, since I can't solder worth a damn. I think the aspects of a tube amp would help to slightly soften the highs and bring out the mids more on the 780s.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrEaKeR /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any Suggestions for an Amp? Thanks

The Benchmark DAC1 has a very good built-in amp (that's what you asked for, yes?)

Again, it worked very well with my Ultrasones.

 

[FrEaKeR]

ok, that's cool.
and how can i connect the DAC1 to my PC?

 

[skatanik]

The latest version have usb out. You can also connect it to a computer soundcard with a coaxial or optical digital output.

 

[Covenant]

I use a Pico as a USB DAC/AMP for my Pro 750's, and I think there's good synergy there. Cheaper than the DAC1, but then the DAC1 would likely outperform it too.

Has anyone ever done a head-to-head of the Pico Vs DAC1?

 

[FrEaKeR]

is there a difference between USB or Coaxial/Optical soundwise?
I'm just asking, because the old DAC1 is cheaper(without USB).

 

[raffy]

My ALO780J sounds great w/ my Predator. I use either a Grado or DIY 1/4 to mini adaptor.

I know the Predator DAC isn't really known as the best out there but sound mighty good to me!

 

[FallenAngel]

My advice:
1) Sell those things
2) Buy good bang/buck headphones at 1/2 cost and 2x sound quality (Denon D2000, Grado SR225, Pro 750, all nice for metal/rock) ~$200-$300
3) Buy a nice sound card (Auzentech Prelude, EMU 0404/1212, etc) ~ $200
4) Buy a good amp (Millet MAX, SOHA+JISBOS, any high-end DIY design

) - and DON'T CONSIDER ANYTHING PORTABLE!

 

[skatanik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrEaKeR /img/forum/go_quote.gif is there a difference between USB or Coaxial/Optical soundwise? I'm just asking, because the old DAC1 is cheaper(without USB).

Coax and optical generally sound better. Better separation and soundstage.

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skatanik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Coax and optical generally sound better. Better separation and soundstage.

Uhm... how do you figure? That would make sense if the USB receiver used of lower quality than the S/PDIF receiver.

 

[Dash]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif My advice: 1) Sell those things 2) Buy good bang/buck headphones at 1/2 cost and 2x sound quality (Denon D2000, Grado SR225, Pro 750, all nice for metal/rock) ~$200-$300 3) Buy a nice sound card (Auzentech Prelude, EMU 0404/1212, etc) ~ $200 4) Buy a good amp (Millet MAX, SOHA+JISBOS, any high-end DIY design ) - and DON'T CONSIDER ANYTHING PORTABLE!

I used to believe that portable amps where close to home amps, they are not. I recently moved back to a home amp and it outperforms my old portables considerably. I currently have the PL750s being fed by an EC/SS. Sounds real good to me. That leaves a good bit for a good source.

 

[skatanik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Uhm... how do you figure? That would make sense if the USB receiver used of lower quality than the S/PDIF receiver.

I saw many dac reviews where coax/optical/aes/ebu sound better than usb. Much of the reviewers agree on this. In particular with the Benchmark dac-1, the Bel canto dac 3 and the ps audio digital link III. But there is certainly exceptions to this.