noddyisking
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2007
- Posts
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I am setting up a headphone rig alongside a current desk audio setup. Currently I have the latest iMac feeding from USB through an Edirol UA-1Ex and an old Marantz KI Signature CD63 Mk II as sources. Both go through a Nad C340 integrated amp to Mordaunt Short 902i speakers which are wall mounted to either side of the iMac. Increasingly I am storing music on lossless files on the Mac and using this source as much as the CD player.
I recently bought a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 amp and Sennheiser HD650's and feel that the next logical upgrade is to put a reasonable DAC between the Mac and the X-Can. I may try routing the CD through the DAC and back to the Nad amp via the line out on the X-Can if this improves the sound from the Marantz through the headphones and/or speakers.
Researching options, I found diykits in Hong Kong who appear to offer highly spec'd DACs at very good prices, even allowing for shipment and import duties to Ireland. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has experience with these products and this seller.
One of my basic questions is around USB output from the Mac. Is the potential sound quality better coming directly from a USB port rather than through the optical out on the Mac.
If this is the case then the Citypulse DA2.03e looks like the best option from diykits. If not, are either of the Citypulse DACs worth the extra cost compared to the Zhalou D3.
Can anyone suggest other alternatives to these DACs for less than $500
All help and opinions welcome and much appreciated
I recently bought a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 amp and Sennheiser HD650's and feel that the next logical upgrade is to put a reasonable DAC between the Mac and the X-Can. I may try routing the CD through the DAC and back to the Nad amp via the line out on the X-Can if this improves the sound from the Marantz through the headphones and/or speakers.
Researching options, I found diykits in Hong Kong who appear to offer highly spec'd DACs at very good prices, even allowing for shipment and import duties to Ireland. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has experience with these products and this seller.
One of my basic questions is around USB output from the Mac. Is the potential sound quality better coming directly from a USB port rather than through the optical out on the Mac.
If this is the case then the Citypulse DA2.03e looks like the best option from diykits. If not, are either of the Citypulse DACs worth the extra cost compared to the Zhalou D3.
Can anyone suggest other alternatives to these DACs for less than $500
All help and opinions welcome and much appreciated