[dre2000]

I have a xonar d2 sound card and I was wondering if thats a good dac for the d2000? Should I buy a dac/amp combo or just an amp? I don't want to spend over $300. Thanks

 

[Riku540]

I have the answer to this!
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/513411/micca-store-fiio-e7-e9-headphone-amplifier-bundle-for-199-95#post_6938991
 
Do it! Dooo eeet!

 

[proteinpig]

I haven't tried many amps/DACs but IMO my current DAC/amp combo (see signature) sounds very good with them

 

[aamefford]

I've owned the D5000 and own the D7000, so I'm extrapolating a bit, but - My D7000's pair very well with my Headroom Ultra Desktop, so that is an option, as is the microstack and ultramicro.  I also used a Dacmagic with a used MisterX built dynalo that was one heck of a combination.  My Pico DAC/AMP did well with the D5000's, but I never got the chance to try the D7000's with it.  I suspect it would have been a decent combo as well.  A good resolving dac and a decent solid state amp (i.e. my Pico) will drive them decently.  A good dac and a good high current amp will set them free - i.e. the UDA and the Dynalo.  I've heard them with great tube setups and they do wonderfully.  My preference is great solid state in general, and with the Denon family in particular.

 

[dre2000]

thanks. Would the xonar d2 be a better dac than the e7?

 

[Riku540]

Your Xonar will definitely be better for higher resolution audio. That said, unless you own SACD's or DVD-Audio or the like, a lot of that higher end potential is lost. If you get a DAC/amp that is capable of using S/PDIF I would use the Xonar as the source.
 
If the E9 interests you, the E7 will have unmatched synergy and will be an unmatched powerhouse combo on a budget.

 

[NapalmK]

When I had mine I used a Gilmore Lite with very good results so something like a dynalo would be great.

 

[dre2000]

I am interested in the e9/e7 combo, could I plug my audioengine a2 speakers into it? If so I could sell my sound card if it produces sound as good as the d2.

 

[Riku540]

The E9 has RCA line-out and a preamp output (volume control enabled) for speakers.