Dangerous Music Source DAC

[LogicalDisconnect]

Did anyone end up trying their Source with an iPhone / iPad? Never got a response from Dangerous when I emailed them.

 

[Zoom25]

Did anyone end up trying their Source with an iPhone / iPad? Never got a response from Dangerous when I emailed them.

I ended up ditching the project for a wireless solution. Although I'd still like to know if iPhone and iPad works?

 

[mhamel]

I ended up ditching the project for a wireless solution. Although I'd still like to know if iPhone and iPad works?

 
I have tried it with the lighting->usb camera connector and it did not work. iOS reported that it could not use the device because it required too much power. I don't have a USB power injector so no idea if that would resolve it.
 
   -Mike

 

[LogicalDisconnect]

Thanks. Usually that can be solved by using a hub (powered or even unpowered will usually bypass the error). I'll probably buy one anyway - if I do I'll test and let everyone know.

 

[LogicalDisconnect]

Another quick question - can anyone compare the headphone amp in the Source with the Benchmark DAC2? I had a DAC2 which I sold recently because I was getting out of speakers, but I'm thinking of getting some monitors again and was hoping the Source might be comparable for a much lower price (given I don't use DSD etc). I'm thinking about the HD800 in terms of headphones, or maybe something cheaper like the HD600/650 or DT250.

 

[Zoom25]

Another quick question - can anyone compare the headphone amp in the Source with the Benchmark DAC2? I had a DAC2 which I sold recently because I was getting out of speakers, but I'm thinking of getting some monitors again and was hoping the Source might be comparable for a much lower price (given I don't use DSD etc). I'm thinking about the HD800 in terms of headphones, or maybe something cheaper like the HD600/650 or DT250.

The Dangerous Source with HD 800 is absolutely beautiful. I have tried around 30-40 headphones (dynamic and planar flagships) and the HD 800 by far is the best match with Dangerous Source. It also drives monitors perfectly.
 

 

[LogicalDisconnect]

Thanks. I notice you've tried / owned the DAC2 as well - any thoughts on how the amps compare? I know the DACs are meant to be pretty much the same.

 

[phile1]

BTW what do you guys think about getting a linear power supply unit for the Dangerous Source? How about something like this: http://www.teradak.com/products/66.html

It goes for about $340 on Ebay.

hi
this lpsu replaced my Keces dc116. This Teradak makes the Source better than with the Keces. Maybe due to the difference of ampere output : 3Amax for the Keces vs 13Amax for the Teradak.
This Teradak+Source : impossible to find better at that price.
Some reviews of Source with its SMPS compared it roughly equal to Mytek or Benchmark DAC2. With the right LPSU the Source is way above, a complete different product class.
Rgds

 

[Zoom25]

Thanks. I notice you've tried / owned the DAC2 as well - any thoughts on how the amps compare? I know the DACs are meant to be pretty much the same.

Yeah only used DAC2 in monitor setups. Both the Source and DAC2 are same performance. No idea how the headphone amps compare. If you're thinking about the HD 800 specifically or Denon's/Fostex and also want to drive studio monitors - look no farther than Dangerous Source. Great DAC and Pre-amp capabilities. Excellent synergy with HD 800. Save the money and invest the remaining on monitors.

 

[Zoom25]

hi
this lpsu replaced my Keces dc116. This Teradak makes the Source better than with the Keces. Maybe due to the difference of ampere output : 3Amax for the Keces vs 13Amax for the Teradak.
This Teradak+Source : impossible to find better at that price.
Some reviews of Source with its SMPS compared it roughly equal to Mytek or Benchmark DAC2. With the right LPSU the Source is way above, a complete different product class.
Rgds

Cool, thanks for your feedback. Others I've spoken to have also reflected similar results. Another guy I've spoken to has that Teradak LPSU and also a Gustard U12 in the chain. He found both to make appreciable differences.

 

[LogicalDisconnect]

Well I ended up getting a HD800 today. Will probably get a Source to go with it. Just confirming, the amp is powerful enough to run them loudly? I have to special order the Source here in Aus so there's no possibility of auditioning it. I'm basically tossing between the Source and a Violectric V200 plus DAC (which would be a fair bit more expensive).

 

[Zoom25]

The headphone volume knob on the Source goes from 7-5 on the clock. I never go past 12 with the HD 800. 11-12 is the sweet spot, typically. With the newest release of Audirvana Plus (2.0.9), the HD 800 on the Source are a beast, it's the absolute best I've heard them in the past year by a significant margin, and this is me coming from previous Audirvana Plus and Amarra 3.0. It feels as I've actually added a high end streamer. Also, regarding the power and volume, it's totally powerful enough. I get the same consistent volume results through various USB ports on my 2 Macbook Pros and an iMac. Haven't tried a PC with it yet, so don't know if there will be a variance in USB volume. There shouldn't be, although I've heard people say it...Not sure what system you are running, but if you can get Audirvana Plus 2.0.9 - DO IT. This is one of the most significant changes I've heard in a few years now (all through software!).
 
If you got the HD 800, they will sound pretty damn good out of the box, although give it a few days for the headband and ear pads to break in - initially they are a bit stiff as a result of their long storage. The fit becomes comfier and the sound to me gets a bit more refined and relaxed (towards a more pleasing sound).
 
The Source out of the box will sound fantastic. The mid range is absolutely beautiful and transparent. The treble is perfectly balanced for air, imaging, and details - I have never gotten ear fatigued in the last year+ I've owned them with any of the headphones. This is HUGE. The bass goes down all the way - no early roll off here. Initially for a few minutes I thought the bass was a bit shy, especially when coming from a LCD-2/3 off an Emotiva and Marantz setup that ran warm. Honestly, within the hour I had completely gotten used to it and forgotten about the Audeze's bass. You can track every change on it. The HD 800 and Source will have amazing bass if your tracks are up to it. I listen to pop, hip hop, rap, electronic, some jazz and electronic indie stuff. All of these sound fantastic with the HD 800 - you'll love the vocals. I'm not into acoustic, bit that really excels on the Source.
 
As far as I see it, you have absolutely no reason for DAC2, unless you want native DSD. The DAC in Source compares just fine to other high end studio or hi-fi DACs (NAD M51, Bryston BDA-2, Arcam D33, Naim V1) - these are all 2k DACs, but the Source easily fits with them, and has a headphone amp to go with it to drive the HD 800 - It's a no brainer.

 

[LogicalDisconnect]

Thanks, sounds great! If I need / want a separate amp I can always get one in the future and still have an excellent DAC and preamp for monitors. Hopefully won't need it though. Will update in a couple of weeks when it arrives (currently back-ordered over here unfortunately).

 

[Tiger1016]

The Dangerous Source with HD 800 is absolutely beautiful. I have tried around 30-40 headphones (dynamic and planar flagships) and the HD 800 by far is the best match with Dangerous Source. It also drives monitors perfectly.

Although the good pairing of the Dangerous with the HD800 might sound appealing in some cases it actually makes me wonder if that would inherently not make it a great fit for something like the Audeze LCD 2/3. Can anyone comment on the pairing with these cans?



Given the noticeable differences between these two options I have read that an amp that pairs well with the HD800 is often one that is a little more laid back in the highs, adds a little extra in the low end, and doesn’t need to be exceptional at having an improved soundstage and separation. On the other hand, an amp that pairs well with the Audeze LCDs will be a bit more aggressive, have a clearer and more forward high end presentation, and improve on the LCDs relative soundstage and separation disadvantages.



Another way to ask the question is how does the Dangerous Source headphone amp sound compared to something like the Bryston BHA-1 or the Schiit Mjolnir? Those are two amps that I am starting to look at that apparently pair very well with the Audeze, especially for rock?



One final question that I doubt anyone here might be able to directly comment on is how does the Source’s DAC quality and sonic signature compare to an Axe Fx (which is a high end guitar processor/modeling unit that apparently has a high quality internal DAC and a headphone amp that is adequate for some)?



I have the Axe Fx and just got a used pair of Audeze LCD 3. I am trying to figure out if it will be worthwhile considering an external DAC for playing music off of my Mac. I have quickly decided that I am going to need a better headphone amp, and the Bryston is looking like the front runner since it could also work as a good preamp for some balanced monitors that I also have. What allures me to the Source is (1) the ability to act as a mixer with a high quality DAC for both the USB audio from my Mac and the digital output from the Axe FX (through AES) AND (2) it has a seemingly good headphone amp and balanced output for monitors. This could make it an all-in-one unit for me that would allow me to jam along to some great sounding music with a lot of control! However, if the Source’s headphone amp doesn’t pair well with LCDs and/or the Axe’s DAC could be indistinguishable from the Source’s, then something like the Bryston would probably be the better option for me. Does anyone have any interesting thoughts on this?

 

[Barry S]

Although the good pairing of the Dangerous with the HD800 might sound appealing in some cases it actually makes me wonder if that would inherently not make it a great fit for something like the Audeze LCD 2/3. Can anyone comment on the pairing with these cans?



Given the noticeable differences between these two options I have read that an amp that pairs well with the HD800 is often one that is a little more laid back in the highs, adds a little extra in the low end, and doesn’t need to be exceptional at having an improved soundstage and separation. On the other hand, an amp that pairs well with the Audeze LCDs will be a bit more aggressive, have a clearer and more forward high end presentation, and improve on the LCDs relative soundstage and separation disadvantages.



Another way to ask the question is how does the Dangerous Source headphone amp sound compared to something like the Bryston BHA-1 or the Schiit Mjolnir? Those are two amps that I am starting to look at that apparently pair very well with the Audeze, especially for rock?



One final question that I doubt anyone here might be able to directly comment on is how does the Source’s DAC quality and sonic signature compare to an Axe Fx (which is a high end guitar processor/modeling unit that apparently has a high quality internal DAC and a headphone amp that is adequate for some)?



I have the Axe Fx and just got a used pair of Audeze LCD 3. I am trying to figure out if it will be worthwhile considering an external DAC for playing music off of my Mac. I have quickly decided that I am going to need a better headphone amp, and the Bryston is looking like the front runner since it could also work as a good preamp for some balanced monitors that I also have. What allures me to the Source is (1) the ability to act as a mixer with a high quality DAC for both the USB audio from my Mac and the digital output from the Axe FX (through AES) AND (2) it has a seemingly good headphone amp and balanced output for monitors. This could make it an all-in-one unit for me that would allow me to jam along to some great sounding music with a lot of control! However, if the Source’s headphone amp doesn’t pair well with LCDs and/or the Axe’s DAC could be indistinguishable from the Source’s, then something like the Bryston would probably be the better option for me. Does anyone have any interesting thoughts on this?

 
The DS sounds very good with both the LCD-X and the LCD-3. I'd characterize the signature of the amp circuit as dead neutral. I'd take the DS over the BHA-1 any day. The Bryson has harsher upper mids and some grain, to my ears. The Mjolnir has a better soundstage and gives a really nice presentation with the LCD-3. The presentation is definitely on the more forward side--not a bad thing with the LCD-3. The DS would be a great way to start with the LCD-3--you're getting a first-rate DAC and a very good amp circuit. Maybe it'll sound good enough to stop there, but you can always upgrade the amp in the future.