[Norn]

Hi all,

For now, I 've an AKG 701 with X-Fi Platinium (as my computer is the source for music ; thx to EAC

). I was wondering if the X-Fi Platinium is able to drive correctly the AKG. In fact the sound for me is already fine, but if I can improve it, I'm in !

So, after read some forums, it seems that external soundcard is the good choice (no electronic parasite, portable, ...) with a descent amp to improve the whole quality.

And finally the question is : is there any external soundcard (USB or Firewire) with a built-in amp which can be better than my actual solution ?

 

[thread]

The HeadRoom Total BitHead can now be had for $150 -- down from $200 only a couple of months back I think. It's a simple dac/amp that even has a crossfeed switch. If you're looking for a reasonable, cheap solution, it might be what you're looking for.

 

[Norn]

Thanks for your answer, I didn't know this stuff but it looks interesting. But what about the E-MU or M-AUDIO USB/Firewire products ? Have they enough output power to drive a headphone ?

 

[Gatticus]

EMU 0404 USB has classA amp built in. It has digital coax and optical in/out so you could feed it digitally from the X-Fi, or you can use the USB and have two soundcards to choose from on your PC.

I see some people drive Sennheiser HD650 with the EMU amp so it should drive your headphones fine. It's a nice sound neutral amp but if you want a deeper bottom end then I would look elsewhere. I have an EMU 0404 and an Audiolab 8000A amp and the Audiolab gives a deeper bottom end compared to the EMU amp but the EMU has more detailed mids and highs. It's a matter of preference.

 

[artears]

Apogee Mini Dac might be suitable for you. It has either firewire or usb option as well, but the price is high. I do not own one, but I would love to get this dac or its next gen

some day. According to reviews here, it is considered to be on the same level with DAC1 and Lavry and it is preferred over them most of the time... I wish I had the funds for it...

 

[Uncle Erik]

The PreSonus Central Station has two separate built-in amps. Check the threads on the Central Station- it has a cult following here. I've had one for nearly 18 months and remain happy.

 

[elbrickodaviso]

Meier Corda Aria

 

[DSlayerZX]

or better yet, Corda Opera XD

You know you will eventually upgrade to that level XD

 

[Redeamon]

A Zhaolu 2.x would work.

 

[uraflit]

the presonus sounds so tempting doesn't it? =]

 

[eddiewalker]

There's always DIY. Im looking to build an Alien DAC inside the next amp I build.

 

[Hofler]

I don't know what your budget is but I just got a Dared Mp5 headphone tube amp (+$350)that has a DAC built in and connects to the computer via a USB connection. I am completely happy listening to my AKG k701 headphones. Not the most portable rig but great for grooving while at your desk.

Check out htis thread

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=154365

it is rather long but lots of great information. I think there is eve a post in there that provides a link to the technical documents on the DAC chip in the amp.

Any way it makes great reading even if you don't go that direction.
Cheers,
R

 

[Zodduska]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif The PreSonus Central Station has two separate built-in amps. Check the threads on the Central Station- it has a cult following here. I've had one for nearly 18 months and remain happy.

seconded.. I had planned on using it only for the DAC initially, but I've been so happy with it I have been able to resist buying a standalone amp so far

just be aware that there is no USB input, so you would want to keep your XFI to use it's digital out as a transport to the CS.

also it is about the size of a slim home dvd player so its not quite portable.

 

[Norn]

Finaly, I've ordered the new amp/dac from Meier Audio : the Corda Cantate and sold my "old" X-Fi

Thx for your advices !

 

[anthonylei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatticus /img/forum/go_quote.gif EMU 0404 USB has classA amp built in. It has digital coax and optical in/out so you could feed it digitally from the X-Fi, or you can use the USB and have two soundcards to choose from on your PC.

Doesn't the sound card affect the optical output to dac / amp ?