Packgrog
500+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2006
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Dude, the EeePC soundcard is your weak link there, followed by the Mini3. A Cryo cable with that setup is like using racing engine spark plugs in a Yugo!
Use a Pico with the USB DAC and you'll get far better synergy. Maybe a Predator, though I haven't tried that. The Pico is a superb match with the Atrio (tighter lows, cleaner highs and mids). Honestly, I've heard a Mini3, and I wasn't overly impressed. Good for the price, but definitely the second weakest link in your chain, apart from a likely weak sound card on a $400 laptop.
And yes, while the Pico and Predator a significantly more expensive than a Mini3, if you can afford a K701, an HD650, *AND* a Benchmark DAC1, you should have no problem springing for something like a Pico. I'd recommend the iBasso D1 for cost/performance, but they've been discontinued.
I would say that the HD650 would be far more to my liking with just about any rig than the K701, but I do NOT like an analytical sound. The Atrio is probably NOT a good choice for you if that's the kind of sound you prefer (can't believe I just typed that!). The Atrio is intentionally more musical, to give more of a "live" feel to the music (read their website, they pretty much state this outright). I must say, bootlegs are startlingly realistic with the Atrio, but that's probably the point. *shrug*
So yeah, ditch that Mini3 and get yourself a Pico! If that doesn't help, the Atrio really just might not be for you. *boggles*
Use a Pico with the USB DAC and you'll get far better synergy. Maybe a Predator, though I haven't tried that. The Pico is a superb match with the Atrio (tighter lows, cleaner highs and mids). Honestly, I've heard a Mini3, and I wasn't overly impressed. Good for the price, but definitely the second weakest link in your chain, apart from a likely weak sound card on a $400 laptop.
And yes, while the Pico and Predator a significantly more expensive than a Mini3, if you can afford a K701, an HD650, *AND* a Benchmark DAC1, you should have no problem springing for something like a Pico. I'd recommend the iBasso D1 for cost/performance, but they've been discontinued.
I would say that the HD650 would be far more to my liking with just about any rig than the K701, but I do NOT like an analytical sound. The Atrio is probably NOT a good choice for you if that's the kind of sound you prefer (can't believe I just typed that!). The Atrio is intentionally more musical, to give more of a "live" feel to the music (read their website, they pretty much state this outright). I must say, bootlegs are startlingly realistic with the Atrio, but that's probably the point. *shrug*
So yeah, ditch that Mini3 and get yourself a Pico! If that doesn't help, the Atrio really just might not be for you. *boggles*