[pyo2004]

Hi guys,
Currently my set up is
Computer line out -> Heed Canamp -> AKG K701.
I'm using an 3.5mm to RCA adapter to connect the computer to my amp.
Since my computer has a decent sound card (Asus Xonar D2X), I was wondering if using a 3.5mm -> RCA adapter is okay; or could I do better by buying an external DAC and use the toslink output from my soundcard to get
Computer toslink -> DAC -> amp -> headphones.

I checked around and I think the Beresford TC-7520 DAC seems to be in the affordable range for me. I was wondering if any one has experience or suggestions for this. Thanks alot guys.

 

[dunski]

I suggest the Keces DA-151. Check my sig

 

[scootermafia]

The Moodlab Concept is a great little dac.

 

[IPodPJ]

What is your budget exactly? Because you can buy higher performance gear used that would cost the same price or less than something new with lesser performance.

 

[pyo2004]

I'll be willing to spend up to 400 dollars. However the more important question I have is, since my sound card is really a DAC already, does the 3.5mm output to RCA do an injustice to the rest of my setup or is that perfectly fine.
Btw the Moodlab Concept looks really nice! Like literally, it looks very pretty.

 

[pyo2004]

Since I have the Canamp, I was wondering if the Heed Dactilus would also be a good DAC for my headphones.

 

[fenixdown110]

I also recommend the Keces DA151 or DA131 for a DAC. For an amp, the Woo 3 or Little Dot II/III. If you have a little more, you can get a Glow Audio DAC tube amp and knock out both at once.

 

[pyo2004]

how does a USB DAC work? I just plug it into my usb port and it completely bypasses the sound card? So can I pick which output I want? (like plug my speakers into my sound card and amp into the dac.

btw.. I must say the windows vista os-tans were cuter..

 

[markop2003]

It's recognised as a USB sound card.
As you don't need an amp i'ld go with the Little Dot DAC, the V-DAC is worht a look too (atleast if you're in the UK)

 

[proximo]

I've had great luck with a V-Dac (and I'm in the US) connected

computer toslink->V-Dac->amp->HD650

It's really a superb dac, particularly so given the reasonable price.

 

[pyo2004]

Anyone have suggestions on how the MHDT Constantine DAC is compared to the V-Dac?
Also... the MHDT Paradisea uses tubes? I don't want to mess with tubes... I don't think I'm up for maintaining my equipment for now.

 

[fenixdown110]

Here's a question. Which DAC on the Zero or Aune is better?

 

[Melorin]

Hi all!

I have a low-impedance (32ohm) Grado SR225 headphone and I would like to buy a DAC for it, because my soundcard isn't pretty good, but has digital output. Which DAC should I choose under 200 USD?

I wonder whether I buy DAC+Amp or a simple Tube-Amplifier.

What's your suggest?

 

[fenixdown110]

Well do you want a standalone DAC or a DAC/amp? For about 200, the Keces DA-151 is very decent. There's one for sale on here for 200 obo. For a DAC/amp, the Zero, Aune, Musiland are the first ones that come to mind. If you want just a tube amp, the Little Dot I+ is perfect for driving low impedance Grado's.