[Aelrikom]

I'm looking to get a DAC and an amp for my HE-500s.  Right now I'm running them off my Xonar STX but I'm looking to upgrade.  I was thinking about getting a used Schiit Lyr for around $350.  I'm not very sure what DAC to get.  I plan on connecting it via USB to my computer.  My total budget will be a hard $600.  I cannot afford anything more than that.  Also, how big are the bonuses to the cables I use?  Right now I'm just using the stock HE-500 cable.
 
Thanks.

 

[rubinstein]

audio gd dac/amp 11.32/15.32

 

[Claritas]

Lyr is a nice with HE500. JDS ODAC ($150). Ask about cables on the HE500 thread, but be prepared for a snow job.

 

[MattTCG]

+1 lyr plus an odac or bifrost if you can find it used in your budget.

 

[Aelrikom]

  Lyr is a nice with HE500. JDS ODAC ($150). Ask about cables on the HE500 thread, but be prepared for a snow job.

Alright I'll ask them there.  Thanks.
 

  +1 lyr plus an odac or bifrost if you can find it used in your budget.

Is there much of a difference between how the ODAC, Bifrost, and an Uber Bifrost sound?  I'm into aesthetics so I may try to up the budget to get a Bifrost.

 

[i019791]

  I'm looking to get a DAC and an amp for my HE-500s.  Right now I'm running them off my Xonar STX but I'm looking to upgrade.  I was thinking about getting a used Schiit Lyr for around $350.  I'm not very sure what DAC to get.  I plan on connecting it via USB to my computer.  My total budget will be a hard $600.  I cannot afford anything more than that.  Also, how big are the bonuses to the cables I use?  Right now I'm just using the stock HE-500 cable.
 
Thanks.

Audio gd Compass 2 - DSD Sabre 9018 dac, ca. 2.500 mw @ 38 Ohm amp, no need for interconnects, can be used as standalone dac or standalone headamp or stand alone preamp.
The stock HE-500 cable is microphonic and fragile, but sonically good - do not expect sound improvements with other cables.

 

[Claritas]

The stock HE-500 cable is microphonic and fragile, but sonically good - do not expect sound improvements with other cables.

That can really annoying depending on how bad it is and how sensitive you are.

 

[headphonatic]

Best set up you can possibly get for the HE-500
DAC
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-Sanskrit-SK-DAC-USB-96K-Coaxial-Optical-24bit-192kHz-SD-1955-upgrade-B-/111274353147
Amp
http://shop.emotiva.com/products/a100

 

[MattTCG]

  Alright I'll ask them there.  Thanks.
 
Is there much of a difference between how the ODAC, Bifrost, and an Uber Bifrost sound?  I'm into aesthetics so I may try to up the budget to get a Bifrost.

 
The uberfrost is certainly worth the money IMO if you can swing the cost. If you find a used bifrost and add the uber board yourself, you can save a good bit of money. I got mine used for $250 and added the board for $70 and felt like I got the deal of the century. It's a fantastic dac. 

 

[Claritas]

   
The uberfrost is certainly worth the money IMO if you can swing the cost. If you find a used bifrost and add the uber board yourself, you can save a good bit of money. I got mine used for $250 and added the board for $70 and felt like I got the deal of the century. It's a fantastic dac. 

 
Awesome! How did UberBitfrost and ODAC sound in direct comparison?

 

[MattTCG]

The odac was actually quite good. But the uberfrost is more resolving and offers a better sound stage overall.  I found vocals and instruments somewhat more natural on the uberfrost which made it worth the price of admission as I listen to a lot of vocal-centric music. 

 

[davidsh]

Then there's my pov.. I just want a DAC that's good enough and well designed. Am totally content with the DAC I own now.. So get something decent in the 150-300$ price range and don't think too much about it for now.

 

[i019791]

  Then there's my pov.. I just want a DAC that's good enough and well designed. Am totally content with the DAC I own now.. So get something decent in the 150-300$ price range and don't think too much about it for now.

Where can we get from the dac in your signature for up to 300 $ ?

 

[davidsh]

I suppose you can't.. It's not in production, was made and hand soldered by some danish dude some years ago. Think it went for 1k back then. Got mine for 350$.