[zsevgymko]

Hi to all,
I bought one of the last DT880 (2003) in January and I like it's sound signature. I use it straight from the integrated headphone amp of my soundcard - M-Audio Revo 5.1. It is ok both as a source and an amp, especially if I only had K81Dj, but I feel it doesn't do justice to DT880. Well, I want to upgrade

I read a lot about different dacs and amps, but still can't make my mind. My first idea was stock Zhaolu + Arietta. Next I researched Presonus CS, but it seems it isn't available in 220V. Then Musiland MD10, Citypulse, Lite Dac Ah, Lite Dac AM, Monica 2, Xin SuperMicro IV, Xin Reference... I also wonder what will yield bigger improvement - a 400$ DAC with decent integated head-amp OR a 200$ DAC and a 200$ AMP? My last idea was: monica II + Xin SuperMicro/Reference. I really don't need a portable amp with batteries, but I got the impression that SuperMicro is better in SQ than similarly priced home amps.
I don't like the idea of only buying an amp as my source really needs upgrade, I think. What do you suggest? Dac or Dac + Amp, home or portable amp, best synergy with DT880? Any oppinions are most welcomed and needed.

 

[HFat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zsevgymko /img/forum/go_quote.gif my source really needs upgrade, I think.

If you don't have much money, I think you should make sure before spending it. This stuff tends to be very personal... I'd gladly drive my Beyers with a cheap source. Some people claim to hear huge differences between sources but most people don't.

If you want an amp, I can certainly recommend Dr. Meier's designs.
Again, I wouldn't mind using a much cheaper amp (I'm using my soundcard's amp right now).

 

[cherepashka]

Can't find better amp for around 200$ for DT 880 than Lunchbox (1st gen).
Also for remaining 300$ - try to find Cambridge audio CDP.

 

[zsevgymko]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFat /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you don't have much money, I think you should make sure before spending it. This stuff tends to be very personal... I'd gladly drive my Beyers with a cheap source. Some people claim to hear huge differences between sources but most people don't.

Well I really think I need to upgrade both my source and my amp. Reason for the source - I think I'm missing a lot from DT800 resolving qualities, further on, in almost all recordings I don't find differences between MP3s ( and I mean 128 and 192kbs !) and Flac, I don't think that is a good sign. In a little more expensive speakers rig I've listened to, the difference was evident. Reson for the amp - If not anything else, I have volume problems, 10/10 isn't enough for some quieter recorded classical music. Most of my music I listen at 8/10, 9/10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherepashka /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can't find better amp for around 200$ for DT 880 than Lunchbox (1st gen). Also for remaining 300$ - try to find Cambridge audio CDP.

LunchBox is tube, right? I forgot to say in the first post that I don't want tube amps. Tubey sound from SS is ok though

As for the the Cambridge CDP, I have thought about that at one point. Do you think it will have better SQ than the Dacs in its price region?

Thank you both for your comments

 

[cherepashka]

What about ss sound from tubey, cause Lunchbox haven't any pronounced "tubey sound", it sounds kinda SS.
I think yes, because if you gonna using DAC, you sorta linked to computer right? Getting rid of Pc in your rig is always a good thing. Campridge audio is almost miracle whrn in comes to SQ in this price range.

 

[GSurge]

Start with an EMU 0404 USB for a DAC. At the $180 range, it's a very good value. It also has a built in headphone amp, but adding another one can't hurt.

 

[IEMaddict]

Out of all the amps under $500, I would say the best amp is the Music Fidelity X-Can v3. I havnt actually heard the amp myself, but from what Ive heard about it, it's still the best amp for the money and it sounds really good.

 

[vcoheda]

for tubes, an LD2++ ($200) or one of the newer models, which are a little more. for solid state, a Gilmore Lite would be a good option. or a Corda Aria, which has a built in DAC. should be able to find the latter for around $360 used.

 

[musicmind]

Look out for the soon to be realeased Corda Cantate, which will be superceding the Aria. It should be around your budget, and many here enjoy the Corda-Beyer match.

 

[Pibborando]

I think an Aria would be a good option. At least, that's what I'd do if I had the money. Amp+Dac in one, and both are very good. And it looks hot.

 

[MaloS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFat /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you don't have much money, I think you should make sure before spending it. This stuff tends to be very personal... I'd gladly drive my Beyers with a cheap source. Some people claim to hear huge differences between sources but most people don't. If you want an amp, I can certainly recommend Dr. Meier's designs. Again, I wouldn't mind using a much cheaper amp (I'm using my soundcard's amp right now).

Ugh, what sources are you talking about? And what people?

 

[zsevgymko]

Corda Aria you say, but from all I've read it seems to be a good quality amp with *some* dac as a bonus. Can it compete with standalone dacs around 200$ ? Will it be a real upgrade from my current source? Also, in general, I prefer to buy dac which is not USB, but to go optical from soundcard, that also concerns EMU 0404 USB.

 

[Catharsis]

I am in the EXACT boat as you - it's as if you're speaking through me on this one.

I just recently purchased a dt880 (250ohm) and I'm looking for a non-USB dac, and a great amp for about $500 too!

Currently I'm eyeing the Corda Arietta, but I haven't made up my mind on the source yet. I'll keep you posted.

ANY suggestions would be VERY helpful guys!

 

[TopPop]

I went with the Little Dot MKII for my set... and I absolutely love it. Go as far up the line as you can afford, and you won't be disappointed!

 

[Catharsis]

ANyone know where to order a Corda Arietta in Canada? Our dollar is sucking now - worst time to buy from the US!