DAC Suggestion Needed

[DarkJC]

I've got a Corda Headfive, along with a pair of Grado SR225's, and have recently been bitten by the upgraditis bug. My latest obsession? A DAC to add to my rig. After doing some research around the forum, I've been hearing good things about the Micro DAC from Headroom, and have been considering that. However, if I'm looking to upgrade my headphones and amp later on (I'm sure I will be bitten by upgraditis again) I was thinking I might want to look for a DAC that scales better with new gear.

Any suggestions Head-Fi? My budget ceiling is around $500. I'm using lossless and high bitrate VBR MP3's, if that helps. Also, if you feel that the Micro DAC is a good direction for me, feel free to say so, I'm just looking for opinions on what path I should take, it doesn't necessarily need to be the most expensive.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! Jason.

 

[003]

Firstly you need to dump that audigy2. That is about the WORST sound card SQ wise you could get. I suggest an ESI Juli@ and a storm digital d02a. This will total closer to $600 though, but well worth it.

To stay within your budget you might want to consider an ori modded zhaolu + juli@ instead.

 

[DarkJC]

I've been considering an upgrade from the Audigy 2 for a while, but I'd like to upgrade one component at a time if I can. However, I'll look into the Juli@. As for the D02a, how much does that go for?

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

Is the Storm really better than the ZL 2.0?

Most reports have them pegged at around the same level.

I have not heard the Storm, btw.

-Matt

 

[educator]

Both the new Storm and the headroom microdac have usb inputs so it isn't necessary to use any sound card. The storm is reported to have usb-i2s direct.

 

[randyruiz]

The Storm, ZL 2.0, Great March and DAC-AH are roughly in the same class. Anyone of these DAC's are good engough to put into a full size rig and sound very Hi-Fi by most 99.99999 humans standards. Folks around these boards and others will drop cash on an imaginary or .001% improvement in sound and swear it was a required upgrade.

Of the list above I like the ZL 2.0 or the DAC-AH. Both allow heavy customization in the future from third parties or you can DIY. Either way you stay below your budget, have great sound and can mod the unit later for better sound.

 

[rincewind]

I'd say upgrade your headphones before DAC or anything else, I think this will give the most noticable difference. But it depends on what you think the DAC will do for you, and what you think is lacking in your current setup...

After the headphones, then I'd say the soundcard/DAC.

 

[philodox]

The Zhaolu 2.0 is only worth your time if you are going to have it modded in my opinion. The stock unit sounds uninvolving and harsh. If you don't have DIY experience, get someone to install a ZapFilter in it or get it modded by Ori. This is not some ".001% improvement", it is huge.

If the Storm D02A really does have USB -> I2S, I would go with that in a heart beat. Another big advantage the Storm has over the Zhaolu is that it is battery powered. The Zhaolu really needs a decent power conditioner to shine. If you have one already this would be a good reason to go that way, but if not it is another point for the Storm.

That said, I haven't heard the Storm DAC, so take this advice with that in mind.

 

[Thaddy]

Philodox, the D02A will have USB -> I2S.

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJC I've got a Corda Headfive, along with a pair of Grado SR225's.

Missed this the first time through.

Another option would be to sell the Headfive and buy my Lavry Black DA10.

[It's headphone amp does sound very nice with Grado's though, so it is worth considering]

 

[003]

Of all the reports I've read, the storm D02 sounds better than an unmodded zhaolu, but so far nobody has been able to compare it to a modded one. However, I believe thaddy and somebody else have a modded zhaolu and also have a D02A on order, which is better than the D02, which was already better than an unmodded zhaolu. So they will be able to compare them.

 

[Thaddy]

003 I only have the D02A on order. I'm interested in how the modded Zhaolu sounds in comparison, but I'm not interested in owning one. If that makes sense

 

[Jon L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thaddy 003 I only have the D02A on order. I'm interested in how the modded Zhaolu sounds in comparison, but I'm not interested in owning one. If that makes sense

I have the D02A on order and already have Ori Zhaolu. The "comparison" will depend entirely on when D02A ships if you know what I mean..

Given the 180 degree opposing technology and implementation involved, I can't imagine I'll love both just as much, but who knows?

 

[Thaddy]

It does sort of seem like a moot point, since they are two very different DAC's. I have a feeling one will just sound different, as opposed to better/worse.

 

[DarkJC]

Quote:

I'd say upgrade your headphones before DAC or anything else, I think this will give the most noticable difference. But it depends on what you think the DAC will do for you, and what you think is lacking in your current setup...

Well basically, here's my thinking. I figure that eventually I'll need a quality DAC for listening. I figured that I would get one now that would last me a long time, through various headphone/amp upgrades. I think the next stop after the DAC would be better headphones like you suggested, and then finally a new amp. (or maybe both at the same time..depends on how much my wallet can take)

On another note, I haven't heard much about the Micro DAC in this thread, it seems to be down between a modded Zhaolu or a D02A. Is it general consensus that these DACs will scale better with the addition of new gear than the Micro DAC (basically, a better lasting investment)?