[sirmasterboy]

I'm using my computer/laptop as a source for my sound and I assume I need a decent DAC to get my FLAC into a Little Dot MKV.

What would be the cheapest DAC that will balance quality with a Little Dot MKV and HD600 cans?

I would prefer a USB DAC or else I can't use my laptop and cheaper would be better but I don't want it to be so cheap that it wastes the power of the Little Dot MKV or HD600.

Thanks

 

[olblueyez]

KECES DA-151, USB DAC never sounded so good on computer - eBay (item 160302865314 end time Jan-03-09 05:36:09 PST)

 

[apatN]

Yeah do consider that Keces. Also look into the Musical Fidelity V-DAC and -if you're in the UK- the Cambridge Audio DacMagic.

The V-DAC looks really promising. It's better than the DacMagic according to some and an incredible bargain.

 

[KevM2]

How does that thing compare to an EMU 0404?

 

[glitch39]

try the zero dac

upgrade to an HDAM and you'd be alright.

Add isolating feet and they stack nicely together.

 

[glitch39]

BTW, you can also upgrade the opamps on the MK V with HDAMs. nice step up all around for not a lot of cash

 

[SilverShadow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevM2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does that thing compare to an EMU 0404?

I'd like to hear an answer to this one as well. I have the E-MU and a LD MKIV. Am I hearing the 'full potential' of the MKIV with this kind of DAC? I've read reviews saying that the 0404 competes with some DACs three times as expensive as it. How far is that from the truth?

 

[Townyj]

Im running a KingRex UD-01 with PSU through my MKV and its a great sound

Recently read that the UD-01/PSU combo out did the DACmagic.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/re...01-psu-391485/

All in all i know this could be nonsense, as i have yet to hear the DACmagic..

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverShadow /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd like to hear an answer to this one as well. I have the E-MU and a LD MKIV. Am I hearing the 'full potential' of the MKIV with this kind of DAC? I've read reviews saying that the 0404 competes with some DACs three times as expensive as it. How far is that from the truth?

I believe the E-MU is more utilitarian and is not meant to be an audiophile device. The Keces is designed to give maximum sound quality at a certain price point.

 

[SilverShadow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif I believe the E-MU is a more utilitarian and is not meant to be an audiophile device. The Keces is designed to give maximum sound quality at a certain price point.

Thanks! It doesn't look like I'm going to upgrade anything in the foreseeable future (broke...

), but looking at the price tag, KECES is definately a piece of gear I might look into next time I'm upgrading my system.