Headroom Micro DAC vs.?

[schalliol]

I just bought a Headroom Ultra Micro Amp, and I need a DAC. I wonder what people might compare the Micro DAC with. It seems pretty pricey to me for what it does, but maybe it's worth it.

If I look at the Micro DAC, but would prefer to spend a bit less, is there anything that might compare well? Thanks!

 

[moogoob]

I used a Total Bithead for a while with my HR Micro. It sounded quite nice for such an inexpensive little unit. I must admit, though, that if you've got good cans the upsampling Ultra Micro DAC is certainly worth it, if a tad expensive.

I got mine on sale though and certainly don't regret it.

 

[schalliol]

Interesting, so you used the Total Bithead as a DAC and tried to tune the headphone output to line level?

 

[moogoob]

Pretty much.

Worked surprisingly well until I got the Ultra Micro.

 

[elrod-tom]

I think I'd not use the Total BitHead as DAC with the Ultra Micro Amp. Introducing another amp section to the chain is going to work not so well IMHO. Don't get me wrong...good product and all, but not to be used like that.

The Micro DAC is pretty nice. I'd compare it favorably to a few smaller, older DAC's I've had over the years (MF X-DAC, AA DAC-in-the-Box, etc...)

If you can't quite reconcile the value new, you might want to buy used...they come up in the Sale forums pretty often.

You might also consider a number of other USB DAC's, including the Silverstone EB-01, or the M-Audio USB Transit. Both can be had for less than $100, and both are quite listenable. Be forwarned, however, that your Ultra Micro will likely be revealing of source level weaknesses.

 

[schalliol]

Good advice, and I'd probably be in the market for a used Micro DAC, but I don't have enough posts to list it. What do you think about pairing with a SUPER Pro DAC 707 USB or an upgraded Zero DAC?

 

[Downer]

I own the micro dac for a while and pair it Cantate. I am very happy with the results; K701 sounds heavenly good. Try to find a used one, even at retail it worths the every penny imo.