[enochtesta]

So I am going to buy a better dac. What are my options if my budget is US$700(dac+amp) ?
 
Quote:

The Senn HD598s are fairly easy to drive, so I'm guessing you really do not need to spend a lot for amp. to use with the HD598s.
The HRT Music Streamer II DAC ($149) seems to be liked by it's owners.
 
 
 

 

 

[tyrael]

 
Quote:

So I am going to buy a better dac. What are my options if my budget is US$700(dac+amp) ?
 


 

Get a better headphone first

 

[DeathDomokun]

**** in, **** out.
The best headphones in the world won't make a bad source sound good.

 

[enochtesta]

Thread updated.
 
 
I may buy a new headphone in the future. But for now, I need to improve the quality of source as DeathDomokun says.
Quote:

Get a better headphone first

Quote:

**** in, **** out.
The best headphones in the world won't make a bad source sound good.

 

 

[enochtesta]

How about the iBasso D10?

 

[SONIC BOOM]

Quote:

Can you guys specify their advantages and disadvantages? Because I found the soundstage and details are narrow and unclear with DACs under $350.

 


 
 


 

everything sound tighter and some time I like use the eq too add a little bass, but you can buy it from amazon and if you dont like it send it back.
 

 

[fabio-fi]

Since the 598's are pretty easy to drive, why not try something like the Centrance dacport? dac section is pretty good for the price. 

 

[enochtesta]

Is there any other options? Since I am not going to use it outdoors so the size of the dac is not my concern.
 
Quote:

Since the 598's are pretty easy to drive, why not try something like the Centrance dacport? dac section is pretty good for the price. 

 

 

[Mad Max]

Audio-gd NFB10SE or NFB5.2
 
Upgrade headphones later. 

 

[enochtesta]

Someone did recommend these two dacs to me but I can't find a shop to have a try. Can you tell the difference between these two and the X-can V8p or M1 HPA?
 
Quote:

Audio-gd NFB10SE or NFB5.2
 
Upgrade headphones later. 

 

 

[Mad Max]

No idea.  =p
 
You can't go wrong with them, being Audio-gd, but you should search for comparisons with those others, whether directly or indirectly (how the A-gd units compare to x amp and how x amp compares to the M1HPA and Xcan, etc.).

 

[ssrock64]

I'd actually still look into the CEntrance DACPort. I was very impressed with it, as it takes a stance on sound that's a bit different from its competitors. It manages detail and separation very well, while still being warm enough to jive greatly with the HD598. While it doesn't have the same amount of customization and features as other DACs, I love it with some Sennheisers.

 

[enochtesta]

OK, I'll consider this too.
What if I want to input sound from PS3?
 
Quote:

I'd actually still look into the CEntrance DACPort. I was very impressed with it, as it takes a stance on sound that's a bit different from its competitors. It manages detail and separation very well, while still being warm enough to jive greatly with the HD598. While it doesn't have the same amount of customization and features as other DACs, I love it with some Sennheisers.

 

 

[Mad Max]

You would need an optical-to-USB converter.  I've never seen such a thing, only USB-to-optical/coax.  So you would need a PC with optical input in order to pump out a USB digital signal to the DACPort.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

OK, I'll consider this too.
What if I want to input sound from PS3?

Hook an optical cable from the PS3 to the optical input on an Astro Mix-amp.
The Astro Mix-Amp will output Dolby Virtual Headphone (5.1 surround sound).