I need help choosing an amp/DAC...

[Oggranak]

I apologize for creating a self-serving thread but trying to do all the research was a bit overwhelming.

My headphones:

Beyerdynamic DT770 2005 (250 ohm) with leather pads
Beyerdynamic DT880 2005

My sources:

Computer (no sound card)
Xbox 360
Zune 120

I do all gaming on my 360.

My budget is going to be around 500 CAD.

So, basically I need a system that uses Optical and USB that is in my price range and works well with the DT880s for gaming but is also adequate for music. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be much appreciated.

 

[paara]

Music hall DAC 25.2 549$ (tube output)
Audio GD compass 258$

 

[somestranger26]

The Compass is actually going to cost near $350 after shipping and paypal fees, that's probably the best bet for your budget though.

 

[Oggranak]

How is it for gaming? I can generally accept a variety of sound signatures and stuff for music, but for gaming I'm a little more picky about realism. Does anyone know how Xbox 360 -> Compass -> DT880 would sound?

There is also a Little Dot MK V in the for sale forum. $250. Is this any good for what I want it for and if so, what DAC would go well with it?

 

[mrarroyo]

Right now someone is selling an Octavart DAC/AMP for $170 in the for sale forum. I would run to get it!

 

[Oggranak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Right now someone is selling an Octavart DAC/AMP for $170 in the for sale forum. I would run to get it!

Do you know how this compares to my other options?

Edit: This doesn't have a USB input...

I know needing a USB input limits my options, but I really don't have a choice, my computer is my only way of playing music other than my Zune.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Also take a look at the PreSonus Central Station. I got one on sale for $400 USD a few years back. It has optical input, an upsampling DAC and two discrete headphone amp. There is also a relay based attenuator (good stuff!) so you can use it as a stereo preamp, too. The Central Station got some attention a couple years ago - look back for reviews and threads.

I sold it because I bought a Sony SCD-CE595 SACD player for about $50. That got me started on SACD. Around Christmas, I got my first taste of vinyl. Between SACD and vinyl, the computer-as-source setup got less and less attention. So I sold it and a few other things to pay for the Zana Deux.

I might go back to computer-as-source, however, because the CD collection has overgrown its storage rack. When that happens, I'll think strongly about another Central Station.

 

[Currawong]

I'd have a search for "gaming" in the Compass thread. I recall a couple of comments about it there.

Having owned the LD MKV, I'd say the Compass would be better value, as by the time you get the MKV, you've not got much budget for a DAC, and you'll be worse off SQ-wise.