[8140david]

I am looking for a DAC with a good, integrated headphone amp.
Any ideas?

I want to be able to listen to the music from my laptop:
- using my Cambridge 640A amplifier and Triangles loudspeakers (a lot of my music is not on CDs...)
- or using Beyer DT-880 250 Ohms headphones (which I should receive soon...)

I don't have a headphone amp at the moment. That's why I am wondering whether there is a DAC that has a good, integrated headphone amp?

What about the DAC Citypulse DA2.03eII ?
Any impression concerning its headphone amp?

Thanks!

 

[compuryan]

I'm not sure what you're budget is, and I can't speak to the citypulse, but the DAC1 has a great integrated amp, not to mention its an excellent DAC. I've seen used ones in the $700 range. The Corda Cantate 2 might also be a possibility.

 

[Currawong]

What kind of budget? The possibilities go from $99 to thousands.

 

[Mellow Mushroom]

The Zhaolu 2.5A with the built-in discrete amp option. That discrete amp is hella good.

 

[anadin]

HeadAmp Pico w/ DAC.

 

[8140david]

Budget: 200 euros preferred, up to 500 euros max.
What would fit? Thanks!

 

[8140david]

Other possibility, less practical (more cables and power supplies): for less than 500 euros altogether, buy a DAC + a headphone amp. Any advice in that line?

 

[fameh]

Well, in the middle of your budget you can buy a Meier Cantante which will pair well with your Beyers.

Another nice option, a bit more expensive, could be a good quality/value DAC like Kece DA-151 or the ZERO DAC plus a good amp like a Darkvoice 332/336, for example.
Someone has experience with both setups?

 

[fameh]

Well, i forgot to mention YULONG DAH1 which could be too a good option as DAC/AMP for you too, its nice SQ/value rated here with much positive comments.

 

[8140david]

Does the Cortate have a stereo output for regular hifi? Or is it just a headphone amp?

 

[Herandu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8140david /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am looking for a DAC with a good, integrated headphone amp. Any ideas? I want to be able to listen to the music from my laptop:

Does your laptop only got USB, or is an optical out on it as well?
I have had a try of beta sample of a DAC with headphone output in November and that might be worth holding out for. It's known as the Vordermart BDAC in some circles. My order is expected in Jan/Feb.

 

[8140david]

It has usb, firewire, e-sata, and display-port.

 

[bordins]

You may take a look at the OMZ DAC/HEADAMP. It sounds unbelievably fantastic !!!

 

[ffrr]

Havent heard any of the taiwanese products, but

three well respected and established companies produce very nice products that would meet your criteria:

Grace 904

Mytek Stereo 96 DAC

Benchmark DAC 1

id sooner go with one of them, personally...

 

[Currawong]

We've recently persuaded Audio-gd to produce something like this, reasonably priced (USD$200-250 or so) if you can wait a month or two for testing to be complete.