Finally, My Decision

[Exediron]

Allright, so after several weeks of looking around, I've finally decided on pretty much the setup I want.

[X-Fi Xtreme Gamer] > Headroom Micro DAC > Headamp GS-1 Amplifier > [Denon AH-D5000]

Components in brackets are stuff I already have, no getting rid of them.

If anyone out there wants to tell me that this setup is a life-threatening mistake that I will regret for years, now is your chance.

 

[trb36]

Ahh, that D word. How I envy you.

But seriously, I haven't heard any of that gear, but it looks like a pretty killer setup. Even if you get them and don't like them, the micro DAC and GS-1 are pretty hot items around here, and I'm sure you could sell them for very close to what you paid.

The GS-1 is on my shortlist for a home amplifier - you'll have to let me know what you think.

 

[jh4db536]

isnt the HR MicroDAC USB? Why do you need a XFI in the stream?

Should be MicroDAC > GS-1 > D5000

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exediron /img/forum/go_quote.gif Allright, so after several weeks of looking around, I've finally decided on pretty much the setup I want. [X-Fi Xtreme Gamer] > Headroom Micro DAC > Headamp GS-1 Amplifier > [Denon AH-D5000] Components in brackets are stuff I already have, no getting rid of them. If anyone out there wants to tell me that this setup is a life-threatening mistake that I will regret for years, now is your chance.

I'll vouch for the Micro DAC. I only gave mine up to get the DAC1. Prior to the DAC1, the Micro DAC was probably the best upgrade in my entire chain. And I had a GS-1 on order, but I cancelled it once I decided on the DAC1. I've got a Pico coming instead.

 

[Exediron]

Thanks for the input guys, I only just remembered to check on this thread, cus I don't come to the amp section much

It seems everyone has a fairly positive opinion of this, so I figure I'll go ahead.

PS: The X-Fi is just to signify that it's a computer audio, it's not really important. I just put that in on the off chance that someone would come on and say 'DUUUUDE! U DONT NED A DAC CUS THE XFI DOES THAT!!!!' (And then I guess we'd laugh at them).

 

[tfarney]

NO NO NO NO!!!!! STOP!!!! YOU MUST HAVE THE ULTRA MICRO DAC OR YOU'LL REGRET IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!

Just kidding. Souds like a great set-up. Enjoy.

Tim

 

[Exediron]

Heh, funny you'd say that... That's been kinda bothering me, but I can live...

Or, knowing Head-Fi, a couple months from now you'll be seeing me selling a Micro DAC and looking for an ultra

Anyway, I'll tell you all how it works out

 

[skeptic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh4db536 /img/forum/go_quote.gif isnt the HR MicroDAC USB? Why do you need a XFI in the stream? Should be MicroDAC > GS-1 > D5000

There is at least one valid reason to keep an X-Fi in the stream (while acknowledging that sq will take a hit) - that's preserving frame rates for gamers.

Simply stated, USB audio puts a greater load on your CPU, which may give your opponents a competitive edge in multi-player games.

 

[Exediron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeptic /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is at least one valid reason to keep an X-Fi in the stream (while acknowledging that sq will take a hit) - that's preserving frame rates for gamers. Simply stated, USB audio puts a greater load on your CPU, which may give your opponents a competitive edge in multi-player games.

Yeah, that's why I'll be keeping the card. But I suppose I can just plug it in when I need to play games, then use the USB out when I want to listen to music... Might get a bit annoying though.

 

[jgonino]

You can run two inputs into your amp. All you need is some RCA splitters. You can run the output of the micro DAC to the amp, as well as the analog output of the sound card. All you need to do is change which sound device is outputting in windows.

 

[skeptic]

I hear you. I've been struggling with the same issue.

There's an interesting (long) thread in the "computer as source" forum discussing "hotrodding" the X-fi in order to modify it into either a high end digital source (using the SPDIF out) or improving the circuit and dac (for improved analog). Shielding is actually applied to the back of the card to supposedly minimize EMI, but whether this is actually at all effective or not probably depends on the layout of your case, placement of your PSU, etc.

 

[skeptic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgonino /img/forum/go_quote.gif You can run two inputs into your amp. All you need is some RCA splitters. You can run the output of the micro DAC to the amp, as well as the analog output of the sound card. All you need to do is change which sound device is outputting in windows.

Thanks for the suggestion! Do you know if the splitters will have much/any impact on the sq? I'm also curious if there are any complications on the software side? X-fi drivers have a long and dubious history of incompatibility with certain hardware and software.

It should work, I'm just curious if you've tried it and confirmed that it does? Thanks again.

 

[jgonino]

I have used RCA splitters to split the input of my old tube amp. I used the PC's line out for one input, and the line out of my CDP for the other. I never had any problems or SQ issues.

As for the software/hardware, I have not used an x-fi card, so I am unsure.

 

[Exediron]

Hey guys,

Do to some financial issues, I was not able to afford the DAC right now...

But I did order a brand new Headamp GS-1 Silver!

How long do these things usually take to get to you?

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exediron /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, Do to some financial issues, I was not able to afford the DAC right now... But I did order a brand new Headamp GS-1 Silver! How long do these things usually take to get to you?

Be prepared to wait. I ordered one on September 11th of last year. At the time, the quoted wait time was 4 weeks. Shortly after that, Justin suffered a shortage of enclosures and things got really backed up. The wait time went up to 8 weeks. He also had just started making the Pico, so I think that affected ship times as well. By March, I had not received my amp yet. I actually changed my order to a Pico because I decided to buy an Amp/DAC combo. I no longer needed the GS-1. It took about 6 weeks to get the Pico.