[OckhamsRazor]

Hi All,
 
This is my first post here at Head-Fi after lurking around for a couple months. I'm glad to be aboard.
 
I recently picked up a pair of Hifiman HE-400s, which I'm really loving. I'm powering them with a Project Sunrise II amp, which is proving to be an excellent combo. However, the weak link in my setup is my DAC - I'm using the DAC section of my ibasso D2+ via the line out jack. I'm happy with the sound I'm getting, but I'm sure that it can be improved with a DAC upgrade. I need to keep it under $200, so the options I'm considering are the HRT Music Streamer II and the ODAC. Any thoughts/suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[OckhamsRazor]

Bump

 

[Maverickmonk]

if you're willing to DIY, or can find one used, the Gamma2 is a great DAC. Can run from an external power supply instead of USB buss power., toslink, coax, and USB input, and TOSlink output as well. Anti-clipping and upsampling filters too. I'm quite happy with it and the detail it provides via my HE-400's

 

[OckhamsRazor]

Thanks very much for the suggestion. I've never tried to build a DIY device (I bought my Project Sunrise pre-built). Though I'm not at all opposed to giving it a shot, the gamma2 looks like it might be a little tough for a first-timer. I'll keep an eye out for a used one though. Looks like a cool DAC.

 

[Maverickmonk]

As a first time through, it'd be pretty tough, but they do pop up on the for sale from time to time

 

[beaver316]

Notch a vote for the ODAC. I'm using it with my HE-400 paired with a Matrix M-Stage. Sounds great to my ears.

 

[OckhamsRazor]

Quote:

Notch a vote for the ODAC. I'm using it with my HE-400 paired with a Matrix M-Stage. Sounds great to my ears.

Thanks, I'm definitely leaning toward the ODAC based on what I've read. The consensus (with a few exceptions of course) seems to be that it performs well above its price level.
Quote:

As a first time through, it'd be pretty tough, but they do pop up on the for sale from time to time

Thanks again for your input. Much appreciated.