[fossuser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordonshowers /img/forum/go_quote.gif I heard that an externally powered USB DAC would eliminate noise, but a DAC powered through the USB would not. My findings fully support this idea.

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of thing I would want to know before going forward with a purchase decision.

MF V-DAC looks nice, I guess I'd need an amp to go with it.

 

[fossuser]

MF V-DAC
Amazon.com Shopping Cart

Pico Slim Portable Amp
HeadAmp Audio Electronics

Thoughts on these choices?

 

[gordonshowers]

Well, if you wanted to get the v-dac i'd highly recommend you try it with your existing airhead before getting a new amp. No harm in trying.

 

[fossuser]

Awesome will probably do that. Thanks for everyones help here.

 

[fossuser]

I just got the MF V-DAC and realized that it splits the audio into R/L. So I need to buy a splitter for the 650s? or a new cable?

 

[McPanse]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossuser /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just got the MF V-DAC and realized that it splits the audio into R/L. So I need to buy a splitter for the 650s? or a new cable?

The V-DAC is a digital-to-analog converter, not an amplifier. The left and right RCAs connect to an amp that in turn connects to the 650s.

You need an amp to go with the V-DAC. It is useless without one.

 

[fossuser]

I have an amp, just needed up pick up a 1/8th to RCA adapter.

 

[Ridleyguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordonshowers /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't necessarily found this statement to be true. Specifically, my Total Bithead connected via USB sends through all background noise in full, whereas my MF V-DAC eleiminates the background noise completely. I heard that an externally powered USB DAC would eliminate noise, but a DAC powered through the USB would not. My findings fully support this idea.

I don't experience this with the Total BitHead using my Macbook Pro (2009) connected to the USB port.

 

[fossuser]

Just wanted to report back, thanks again to everyone who helped.

The MF-VDAC has been working great, the static/computer noise problems are gone. My little amp still works fine and I don't think an upgrade is necessary. If you're having similar problems to what I was having this DAC solves them.

 

[McPanse]

My bad.

 

[Henerenry]

If you like "tubes," I've found that a well sorted tube setup works really well with the hd650s

 

[fossuser]

I don't know if I like tubes or not. I've read that solid state has gotten to the point where the difference is relatively negligible. Plus can't tubes also have more issues?

 

[Ypoknons]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fossuser /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've read that solid state has gotten to the point where the difference is relatively negligible.

Where did you read that? Solid state can many differences, different op-amps used, differences in the board layout, quality of the power supply... Only you can decide if the difference is negligible, but Headroom, many on this board and skeptics like Dan from Dan's Data (see this article, compares the Bithead with the Micro Stack) think the differences are substantial.

 

[fossuser]

I meant difference when compared to a tube alternative, not when compared to nothing. I said before that I thought the DAC made a big difference over my previous output from the computer.