[conquerator2]

Hi guys. Im looking for a DAC to use with the HE-500 (possibly HE-6 in the future)
 
My amp will be the Emotiva mini-X a 100 speaker amp 
 
My sources are Smartphone, PC and PS3
 
My songs are mostly MP3s and some FLACs as well.
 
Would prefer a Solid State amp over tube.
 
Let me know of the alternatives there are!
 
I was looking at the Audio GD DACs so far, but bot quite sure...
 
Thats why I am asking here!
 
Thanks for all your tips!
 
Best regards, Luke
 
EDIT: Also considering the Schiit DACs... let me know your opinions!

 

[mikiphile]

Ive heard the HE-6 with a Lyr + Bifrost (and this is the only schiit dac around your price range, if you want USB, it would be $450). Comparing it to much higher end amps/dacs i heard it with, this setup performs excellent. I have also read that this setup is excellent with the HE-500.
 
I haven't heard other DACs in the this price range, but ive read that the Bifrost is probably the best value for money around $400-500. 

I currently use the Bifrost with Lyr to drive my K701s. 
 
I had the opportunity to try the Bifrost with my JBL TL260 speakers, and its vastly superior to the Marantz CD player (not sure of the model, thinking CD6004).

I was comparing The Girl in the Other Room - Diana Krall in FLAC through the Bifrost vs the same CD i have, through the Marantz (since it doens't support external DAC function). 

 

 

[Clemmaster]

The NFB-3.32 fits your budget and has a good USB input (USB-32). The sound is a bit warm and smooth with good bass, good details and good soundstage.
 
I cannot comment on the Bifrost's performances since I don't own it (or have listened to it) but I have a Fostex HP-A3 with the same DAC chip (AKM4390). From what I read about the Bifrost and what I actually hear on the Fostex, the sound signature will be neutral and transparent.
 
I think it is more a matter of sound signature (neutral vs warm+smooth) than pure technicalities. John Darko (digital audio review) actually tested both the NFB-2 and the Bifrost and concluded that they both were excellent value for the money. Maybe you can check the 2 reviews and pick up the one that meets your preferences the most. 

 

[conquerator2]

Thanks all of you guys!
 
I have actually decided for the NFB 3.32, should be a great pairing with the Emotiva mini-X speaker amp, which has similar sound characteristics, so should have great synergy
 
+ it is 100 cheaper than the Bifrost with USB so will go for the Audio GD  this time, I already have one of their product (the NFB-16) and it is great for its price
 
Thanks again guys!

 

[Clemmaster]

To much of a thing can lead to disappointing result.
 
My Reference 5.32 and SA-31 do not pair very well, it's too laid back and might be a result of both units having smooth treble.

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

To much of a thing can lead to disappointing result.
 
My Reference 5.32 and SA-31 do not pair very well, it's too laid back and might be a result of both units having smooth treble.

Well actually what Audio GD considers "smooth and warm" is just a smirk off the "generally neutral"
 
Additionally it has the "flavor" settings, which should help me find the right signature and to that, many others recommended the NFB 3.32 as well
 
Now Im just torn between the HE-500 and 5-LE... Ugh

 

[mikiphile]

Quote:

Well actually what Audio GD considers "smooth and warm" is just a smirk off the "generally neutral"
 
Additionally it has the "flavor" settings, which should help me find the right signature and to that, many others recommended the NFB 3.32 as well
 
Now Im just torn between the HE-500 and 5-LE... Ugh

HE-500

 

[Clemmaster]

The Reference 5.32 is presented as "dead neutral and monitor" yet it has smooth treble and sound very laid back (if not boring) paired with the SA-31 that has smooth treble too (the same "smooth" from Audio-gd).
 
I'm not telling it WILL sound too dark, I'm just warning you that having 2 unit withs (suposedely) similar sound signature can lead to disappointing results.
 
I can't help but think a Compass 2 would be a better match for the HE-500. You seem to have abandoned the remote control so...  

 

[conquerator2]

Yeah well I just need an external DAC... Compass 2, as an all in one is overdoing it for me, as well as over budget I already have the NFB-16 to use on the go, so need just a DAC to use with the Emotiva mini as my home rig
 
Im open to other suggestions though.
 
The Bifrost may be over budget, but even if it wasnt, it isnt neutral either

 

[Clemmaster]

I meant dropping the Emotiva mini and get the Compass as a all-in-one device

 

[conquerator2]

Quote:

I meant dropping the Emotiva mini and get the Compass as a all-in-one device

 
Nah... The emotiva will suit them better

 

[BleaK]

I think the ODAC is a really good paring with HE-500
 

 

[Khagan]

Are DACs a must to power the HE-500 and HE-6? 

 

[TwinQY]

Quote:

Are DACs a must to power the HE-500 and HE-6? 

To power - no. That's not what DACs do. Amps output power, and the latter of the cans is infamous for crazy power requirements.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital-to-analog_converter

 

[Khagan]

So DACs would be need if I wanted to use said headphones on a PC?