[shuttleboi]

What's the best way to spend about $1000 to $1300 on a home DAC and headphone amp?

Option 1:
Benchmark DAC1: $995
I've heard the built-in headphone amp is great.
Major pro: Only one power cord and AC adapter.
Total: $995

Option 2:
PS Audio Digital Link III $695
Headamp Gilmore Lite $399
Total: $1094

Option 3:
Headroom Ultra Micro DAC: $599
Headroom Ultra Micro Amp: $599
Total: $1198

Option 4:
Cambridge DACMagic $429
Headamp GS-1 $899
Total: $1328

Option 5: something else

 

[httran]

If you're interested in going the balanced route you might want to consider the Headroom Balanced Desktop Amp with Balanced DAC. HR sells them for 1500 new, but you could probably find a used one on here for about 1100.

 

[shirtaspants]

Regardless of what you choose, I recommend looking on the used market to help save money. I've personally been a little hesitant about used gear unless I'm intentionally short-terming it, but on further reflection I don't really notice the difference in origin between new and used after a few months.

 

[1UP]

Add Lavry DA11 to your list. What headphones??

 

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Add Lavry DA11 to your list. What headphones??

Senn 595 right now, Senn 650 by end of summer.

 

[USAudio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuttleboi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Senn 595 right now, Senn 650 by end of summer.

I'll second the LavryBlack DA11 but it is a bit out of your price range at $1480 USD.
Dan Lavry, designer of the DA11, uses HD650's (as do I with my DA11) and they sound terrific through the DA11.

 

[mrarroyo]

Ocasionally you can buy in Audiogone a Monarchy Audio NM24 DAC for around $850. For high impedance headphones like the Senn HD580/600 you can use the Line Stage of the Monarcy to drive them, all you would need is a quality RCA to female 1/4" jack. I had one made for about $35 by S2 Audio and I am very happy.

Of course you could find a nice amp with the remainig $450 of your budget. Good luck.

 

[Dat_Dude]

Cambridge DacMagic - $399
Woo Audio 6 - $585

 

[shuttleboi]

Exactly how good is the Benchmark DAC-1's amp? Is option 1 a better call than any of the others?

 

[1UP]

It's like a Pimeta circuit. I would say it's better than some of your other numbered options, but I'd take a DA11 over it cause the DAC sounds smoother overall and has the interesting picfeed thing.

 

[atothex]

A lot of people will tell you that the Pico DAC is on par with anything new up to about $1K; some say it's better than the Benchmark and Lavry DA10. I haven't really heard too much about the DA11, so not sure about that. If all you need is USB, then there's no reason not to just get the Pico DAC.

It seems you're going for new, commercial, and solid state, so an all-Headamp solution would be pretty hard to beat: Pico DAC + GS1. I'd look long and hard at the TTVJ FET-A as well. Pico DAC no matter what.

If you're OK with used, tube, or DIY, then everything changes.

 

[shuttleboi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atothex /img/forum/go_quote.gif If all you need is USB, then there's no reason not to just get the Pico DAC.

I'm planning to get a low-end CD player (under $500), which I doubt would have a good DAC, so I'm looking for a DAC with optical.

For my computer, I have an Asus Essence STX sound card, which sounds great as-is already, so there's no pressing need for a DAC or amp there.

 

[shampoosuicide]

Audio-gd DAC-19MK3 ($480) + Darkvoice 337 ($590).

Look up Skylab's review of the DV337.

Btw, I had the HD595 (before I bought the HD650) paired with the DV332. You'll probably have to put up with some overbearing bass because of the impedance mismatch, but I'm pretty much certain that when you get your HD650, the pairing will be fantastic.

 

[.Sup]

dacmagic+gilmore lite is what i would get for 1k

 

[mrarroyo]

If you look hard you could pick up a Channel Island headphone amp and dac for under $1,000. Wonderful sounding combo!