iMac > E-MU 0404 USB > ??? > Sennheiser HD 595

[shampoosuicide]

Hi all.

I'm looking to upgrade my current setup, which looks like this: iMac > Sennheiser HD 595.

I have been advised to upgrade my source first, especially because my headphones are low-impedance (32 ohms). A lot of searching and reading on Head-Fi has led me to the E-MU 0404 USB, which is lauded as the best bang-for-buck DAC for <$250, plus it purportedly has a top-of-the-line DAC.

My next step then, would be to purchase an amp. I intend to use it with my desktop, so portability is not a factor for me. I don't really care for looks either. Sound quality is of highest importance. My budget is <$250. I want an amp that will give my 595s a wider, deeper sound stage, deeper, punchier bass, and more air/better instrumentation.

The Meier Corda Move is highly acclaimed here. However, I realized that it is an amp+DAC combo unit, like the 0404. Can the two work together? Will they synergize well? Will the Move give me the sound I'm looking for? Or should I be looking at another amp?

Thanks!

 

[Sir Nobax]

Did you try the E-MU's Headphone amp alone, most people like it without a external Amp already (although it does improve with an hi-end amp).

 

[bebanovich]

I know it seems weird to buy an amp w/ a DAC when you already have a DAC but it won't degrade the sound of the Move if that is the amp that you want.

The nice thing about the 0404 is - depending on how old your iMac is - you can take advantage of the toslink connection. Some people hear no difference between this and USB but I think it is noticeable.

That should take care of the "will it work" question. The question of synergy is outside of my experience so I will leave that to others. I know there are some nice tube amps in this price range if you want to go that route.