Before someone spits a link of the search function in this post, I'd like it to be noted that sifting through an 800 page thread is difficult already even WITH the search function.
That being said...I'm interested in finding out the value of a DAC/Amp combo device's utility when compared to perhaps a higher grade, dedicated amp.
For example, if my budget were not to exceed $200 and I had the choice of buying the Zero or an LD Mk2 or MK3, which one would provide the most gains to my HD580's or SR80's?
I know that in the Zero thread, Both HD580's and the LD Mk2 were used in testing, but neither of those setups assumed only one component. The LD was tested with the Zero as a preamp and not comparatively against the zero as an amp.
Bottom line is: Will the spread out improvements to both source and amplification outweigh the greater, singular improvements to amplification alone?
I run HD580's and SR-80's on my X-fi card, and I listen to mostly dance music as my reference. I also listen to alot of classical and acoustic.
That being said...I'm interested in finding out the value of a DAC/Amp combo device's utility when compared to perhaps a higher grade, dedicated amp.
For example, if my budget were not to exceed $200 and I had the choice of buying the Zero or an LD Mk2 or MK3, which one would provide the most gains to my HD580's or SR80's?
I know that in the Zero thread, Both HD580's and the LD Mk2 were used in testing, but neither of those setups assumed only one component. The LD was tested with the Zero as a preamp and not comparatively against the zero as an amp.
Bottom line is: Will the spread out improvements to both source and amplification outweigh the greater, singular improvements to amplification alone?
I run HD580's and SR-80's on my X-fi card, and I listen to mostly dance music as my reference. I also listen to alot of classical and acoustic.