[zrossiter]

Hello I am looking to get a cheap DAC for my macbook pro and just a pair of grado 60s....probably somewhere around 50 bucks or so....i know there is lots of threads on this topic but they are hard to navigate...any recommendations?

 

[kugino]

just know that you will also need an amplifier in addition to the DAC. getting both for $50 will be a neat trick...

 

[zrossiter]

what about something such as the X-Fi Notebook sound blaster but for mac?....i am new to this whole concept. what would be a good baseline product(s) that i would want to get good sound with gettin too pricey

 

[RickB]

You should look into the HotUSB1. It is a DAC that will drive low-impedance phones like the SR60s reasonably well. It goes for $69 currently.

HOTUSB1 USB DAC High-Performance Headphone Amplifier

 

[alwayshungry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickB /img/forum/go_quote.gif You should look into the HotUSB1. It is a DAC that will drive low-impedance phones like the SR60s reasonably well. It goes for $69 currently. HOTUSB1 USB DAC High-Performance Headphone Amplifier

2nded. Dave (hotaudio) makes great DACs and provides excellent support.

 

[nb_41]

i hate to thread jack, but how would the hotusb1 compare to a turtle beach micro? would it be a worthwhile upgrade?

 

[Brandon B]

The X-Fi would be a good choice, because you wouldn't need a headphone amp, and I think they put out decent sound for the money. It should be able to drive the Grados just fine on its own. The HOTUSB1 would do the trick too.. and might sound a little better.. never actually heard one though.