[Zarrick19]

Hi there!
I've got 70-90€ limit for an audio upgrade and I'm considering buying a DAC or some better headphones. My actual "rig" consists of two integrated sound cards (PC and notebook - the reason why I want the DAC), a Pioneer VSX-405RDS A/V receiver with some no-name wooden dual-band speakers and an active sub, moddem Maxell Retro DJ headphones and Audio Technica CKM55 IEM's.
Most time I will use my notebook (because of the college) and as it has a ****y integrated sound card, I yould buy the E10 (I owned a Cowon J3 for a while and the output quality was really amazing). But the there's the question, if it even makes sense to buy it when it'll be used only with the Retro DJ's and CKM55. If not, I could buy better headphones. As I heard, the Retro DJ can be compared with some 80-100€ headphones (I haven't heard any other 100€ headphones but I can't really say I like the RDJ's whistling highs at higher volumes and the lack of bass) and the CKM55 isn't bad too. So the question is - should I buy a DAC, a 70-90€ headphone or rather nothing. I can't go higher with the money limit because I still need to finance my study so I don't have too much choices.
 
Thanks!

 

[lin0003]

I would say get a cheap $20 ELE DAC amp and then save up for a better headphone.

 

[Zarrick19]

You mean like this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELE-EL-D01-MINI-HIFI-USB-PCM2704-DAC-BOARD-CARD-ELNA-Capacitor-gl-/300925152277?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item4610896c15 ? Is it really worh it? 

I mean will it be better than the integrated DAC?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Assuming this is for music.
 
Get a Sandisk Sansa Clip Zip 4GB and a 16GB or 32GB Micro-SD memory card.
Just play all music audio from the Clip Zip.

 

[lin0003]

You mean like this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELE-EL-D01-MINI-HIFI-USB-PCM2704-DAC-BOARD-CARD-ELNA-Capacitor-gl-/300925152277?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item4610896c15 ? Is it really worh it?  I mean will it be better than the integrated DAC?

Yeah, something like that except there is a version with an integrated amp for an extra $5. I'll link it when I get back home.

 

[Zarrick19]

Had it, with (as you mentioned) a 32GB MicroSD. Along with the CKM55 it was a fantastic combo for my everyday 2 hours long bus trips, but now I'll be almost always on computer where is my music library (150GB+) stored. That's the reason why I sold my Cowon J3. I'm listening music 16hrs a day while on computer so a DAP is useless for me.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Had it, with (as you mentioned) a 32GB MicroSD. Along with the CKM55 it was a fantastic combo for my everyday 2 hours long bus trips, but now I'll be almost always on computer where is my music library (150GB+) stored. That's the reason why I sold my Cowon J3. I'm listening music 16hrs a day while on computer so a DAP is useless for me.

Ok, I vote for the Fiio E10, the E10's DAC chip WD8740 seem to be well liked and it's headphone output jack has a low impedance.

 

[Zarrick19]

I think I'll give a try to that ELE DAC, people are saying it's good, so, why not. It only supports 16bit. but I don't think so it'll be a problem, all of my music is 16/44,1. And it costs nothing, 6€ is like two bars of chocolate
 
 
//The PCM2704 is also used in some expensive branded DAC's, so, it can't be worse than the integrated ALC269.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I think I'll give a try to that ELE DAC, people are saying it's good, so, why not. It only supports 16bit. but I don't think so it'll be a problem, all of my music is 16/44,1. And it costs nothing, 6€ is like two bars of chocolate
 
 
//The PCM2704 is also used in some expensive branded DAC's, so, it can't be worse than the integrated ALC269.

ELE DAC?
It uses the PCM 2704 DAC dhip, which is the same DAC chip as my $55 DD (DAC Destroyer) USB DAC, and I like the way the DD sounds.
and the ELE DAC is only $24.
Please post on how good the ELE DAC sounds.

 

[Zarrick19]

The ELE DAC EL-D00 costs $8 and the only difference between them is that the D00 has no casing, has male USB connector (what is definitely a "+" for me) and smd capacitos (I bet thats a disadvantage compared to those electrolytic ones in D01).

 

[Zarrick19]

D00 ordered, it should arrive in about a month but I hope it will be faster. I got a few "broken" USB sticks over here so the D00 will got a nice little case.

 

[Zarrick19]

Sorry for a tripple post, but - as I ordered the ELE DAC for almost nothing, I have just realized that headphones would be pointless for me - I will travel 2x per week to college and back, so IEM would be a better choice. I just went through some audio e-shops and found the Shure SE215 - they say it has nice SQ and "enhanced bass". All I need to know if it's even better than my CKM55. Anyone got experiences with both of them or at least with the Shure?