brentatent12
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2009
- Posts
- 72
- Likes
- 10
Hello all,
I’m new here at Head-Fi; I’ve checked various threads on it for a while, but just today registered an account. I have a question regarding DAC’s/Headpone Amps. I’m new to both of them, and have relatively limited knowledge of what makes one good rather than poor sounding. I would like to get a desktop sized unit which has both DAC and Headpone Amp in one, however, if there are valid reasons why this is not the best course of action, I am open for suggestions. It should have a USB input. An optical would be nice, but is not necessary as I am planning to mainly use it with a computer.
The following is an example of the form factor I’d like; however, anything smaller would also work. eBay.com.sg: 2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP (item 160326271631 end time Oct 02, 2009 21:28:25 SGT)
My price range is $500 and below, however, I’m really curious to see what benefits a $500/400/300 DAC holds over a $200/100 one. If there is a less expensive option available which produces fantastic sound for its price, then I may be inclined to get that and upgrade at a later time.
In terms of my setup, I will be connecting the DAC to a HLLY TAMP-90, which in turn drives my Cambridge SoundWorks Newton M-85 speakers. I currently use a Creative X-Mod as my sound card, so I figure it wouldn’t take much to beat that! I use Sennhesier PXC-450 Noise Cancelling headphones, which have an impedance of 150 ohms with active noise cancelling turned off, and an impedance of 750 ohms with it turned on. Also, I am waiting for a pair of Head-Direct RE0 IEMS which have an impedance of 64 ohms.
HLLY TAMP-90 - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/hl...tryout-415566/
From some brief research, I have compiled a list of DAC’s that fit my description—at least partially. I will list them below along with some of the key differences I noticed among them and my comments. If you could comment on the quality of each one (both SQ and construction) and possibly add to the list from your own experience and knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it!
The following list is in order of price as of 9/14/2009.
1)USB DAC (PCM2707+DIR9001+PCM1793) + Headphone Amplifier ($100)
eBay.com.sg: USB DAC (PCM2707+DIR9001+PCM1793) + Headphone Amplifier (item 170376872923 end time Sep 28, 2009 00:17:06 SGT)
This is pretty much the least expensive DAC I could find. It has everything one could want, however, I’m not sure how good the build quality is or components used.
2)Musical Fidelity V-DAC ($215)
Welcome to Musical Fidelity
I’ve heard it has good sound quality; only trouble is, it doesn’t have a headphone amp, so I’d have to get that separately.
3)Styleaudio Emerald ($209)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/st...p-sale-416783/
This is the lower end model of the Styleaudio Topaz. It looks perfect for what I want, and is a great price, however, a few things about it bother me—A. It uses the same TI PCM1793 that it seems is found in many of the lower end DAC’s, such as the first one I mentioned. B. The THD+N = .001, which seems to be much higher than the .0005 I’ve seen listed for higher end DAC’s. Also, its dynamic range is only 113dB. I’ve tried to find reviews of this DAC to get people’s opinions; however, I can’t seem to find even one review on the net. Other then the aforementioned, I really like it! Also, how does it compare to #1 in terms of components, build, and SQ?
4)Valab TDA1543 NOS USB Re-Clock DAC MK-1 Luxury Version ($260)
eBay.com.sg: Valab TDA1543 NOS USB Re-Clock DAC MK-1 Luxury Version (item 290345437570 end time Oct 01, 2009 09:52:06 SGT)
This is only a DAC, so I’d have to get a separate Head-Amp, however, it seems to have pretty good reviews. Also, it is a NOS DAC which some prefer the SQ. Has USB and optical among other things.
5)Devilsound DAC ($300)
devilsound labs - high end computer audio
Another NOS DAC without a Head-Amp; It has gotten excellent reviews and seems to be Audiophile grade.
6)2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP ($340)
eBay.com.sg: 2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP (item 160326271631 end time Oct 02, 2009 21:28:25 SGT)
It’s the perfect form factor for me, also, seems like it uses pretty good components. What really gives me pause about this, however, is where it recommends in the documentation that the volume on the computer be lowered to half way when using USB for fear of distortion. This leads me to believe that something’s wrong…
And finally…
7)Styleaudio Topaz ($450)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/st...p-sale-416783/
The SyleAudio has gotten excellent ratings and reviews from everything I’ve read on it. Also, the components used all seem to be very high quality. This is probably the ideal product—it’s small, and does everything I want. The only drawback is that it’s a bit expensive. How does this compare to the Emerald? Is it worth 250+ more?
If you’ve actually made it this far, I congratulate you. I never planned to write so much, but wanted to be sure I was thorough enough. Please let me know what your recommendations/thoughts are. I appreciate both all your time and help!
Thank you,
Brent
I’m new here at Head-Fi; I’ve checked various threads on it for a while, but just today registered an account. I have a question regarding DAC’s/Headpone Amps. I’m new to both of them, and have relatively limited knowledge of what makes one good rather than poor sounding. I would like to get a desktop sized unit which has both DAC and Headpone Amp in one, however, if there are valid reasons why this is not the best course of action, I am open for suggestions. It should have a USB input. An optical would be nice, but is not necessary as I am planning to mainly use it with a computer.
The following is an example of the form factor I’d like; however, anything smaller would also work. eBay.com.sg: 2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP (item 160326271631 end time Oct 02, 2009 21:28:25 SGT)
My price range is $500 and below, however, I’m really curious to see what benefits a $500/400/300 DAC holds over a $200/100 one. If there is a less expensive option available which produces fantastic sound for its price, then I may be inclined to get that and upgrade at a later time.
In terms of my setup, I will be connecting the DAC to a HLLY TAMP-90, which in turn drives my Cambridge SoundWorks Newton M-85 speakers. I currently use a Creative X-Mod as my sound card, so I figure it wouldn’t take much to beat that! I use Sennhesier PXC-450 Noise Cancelling headphones, which have an impedance of 150 ohms with active noise cancelling turned off, and an impedance of 750 ohms with it turned on. Also, I am waiting for a pair of Head-Direct RE0 IEMS which have an impedance of 64 ohms.
HLLY TAMP-90 - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/hl...tryout-415566/
From some brief research, I have compiled a list of DAC’s that fit my description—at least partially. I will list them below along with some of the key differences I noticed among them and my comments. If you could comment on the quality of each one (both SQ and construction) and possibly add to the list from your own experience and knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it!
The following list is in order of price as of 9/14/2009.
1)USB DAC (PCM2707+DIR9001+PCM1793) + Headphone Amplifier ($100)
eBay.com.sg: USB DAC (PCM2707+DIR9001+PCM1793) + Headphone Amplifier (item 170376872923 end time Sep 28, 2009 00:17:06 SGT)
This is pretty much the least expensive DAC I could find. It has everything one could want, however, I’m not sure how good the build quality is or components used.
2)Musical Fidelity V-DAC ($215)
Welcome to Musical Fidelity
I’ve heard it has good sound quality; only trouble is, it doesn’t have a headphone amp, so I’d have to get that separately.
3)Styleaudio Emerald ($209)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/st...p-sale-416783/
This is the lower end model of the Styleaudio Topaz. It looks perfect for what I want, and is a great price, however, a few things about it bother me—A. It uses the same TI PCM1793 that it seems is found in many of the lower end DAC’s, such as the first one I mentioned. B. The THD+N = .001, which seems to be much higher than the .0005 I’ve seen listed for higher end DAC’s. Also, its dynamic range is only 113dB. I’ve tried to find reviews of this DAC to get people’s opinions; however, I can’t seem to find even one review on the net. Other then the aforementioned, I really like it! Also, how does it compare to #1 in terms of components, build, and SQ?
4)Valab TDA1543 NOS USB Re-Clock DAC MK-1 Luxury Version ($260)
eBay.com.sg: Valab TDA1543 NOS USB Re-Clock DAC MK-1 Luxury Version (item 290345437570 end time Oct 01, 2009 09:52:06 SGT)
This is only a DAC, so I’d have to get a separate Head-Amp, however, it seems to have pretty good reviews. Also, it is a NOS DAC which some prefer the SQ. Has USB and optical among other things.
5)Devilsound DAC ($300)
devilsound labs - high end computer audio
Another NOS DAC without a Head-Amp; It has gotten excellent reviews and seems to be Audiophile grade.
6)2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP ($340)
eBay.com.sg: 2009 YULONG DAH1 MARK II DAC USB INPUT / Headphone AMP (item 160326271631 end time Oct 02, 2009 21:28:25 SGT)
It’s the perfect form factor for me, also, seems like it uses pretty good components. What really gives me pause about this, however, is where it recommends in the documentation that the volume on the computer be lowered to half way when using USB for fear of distortion. This leads me to believe that something’s wrong…
And finally…
7)Styleaudio Topaz ($450)
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f38/st...p-sale-416783/
The SyleAudio has gotten excellent ratings and reviews from everything I’ve read on it. Also, the components used all seem to be very high quality. This is probably the ideal product—it’s small, and does everything I want. The only drawback is that it’s a bit expensive. How does this compare to the Emerald? Is it worth 250+ more?
If you’ve actually made it this far, I congratulate you. I never planned to write so much, but wanted to be sure I was thorough enough. Please let me know what your recommendations/thoughts are. I appreciate both all your time and help!
Thank you,
Brent
