[398698]

Hi everyone,
 
My He-560s are supposed to come in the mail very soon. I'm interested in the Fostex HP-A4 DAC/Headphone Amp
 
Do you guys have suggestions on other DAC/AMPs around $500 or less? I like bass heavy music but listen to alternative as well (if this helps).
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  My He-560s are supposed to come in the mail very soon. I'm interested in the Fostex HP-A4 DAC/Headphone Amp.
Do you guys have suggestions on other DAC/AMPs around $500 or less? I like bass heavy music but listen to alternative as well (if this helps).

 
Audio-GD NFB-111, external DAC/amp, $370+shipping.
Comes with a USB 32-bit/384k input and S/PDIF (optical & coaxial) inputs
http://audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB112014/NFB112014EN.htm

 

[398698]

   
Audio-GD NFB-111, external DAC/amp, $370+shipping.
Comes with a USB 32-bit/384k input and S/PDIF (optical & coaxial) inputs
http://audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB112014/NFB112014EN.htm

Much appreciated. This is a DAC/AMP set? I don't need to buy any additional accessories? I have a usb a-b already, so I need rca cables or anything else to drive the headphones?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Much appreciated. This is a DAC/AMP set? I don't need to buy any additional accessories? I have a usb a-b already, so I need rca cables or anything else to drive the headphones?

 
Should not need anything else.
If you do find you need cables for anything (in general), check out Monoprice.

 

[398698]

   
Should not need anything else.
If you do find you need cables for anything (in general), check out Monoprice.

What do you know about the 
Compass 8741 : USD429 (Built in dual WM8741, support up to 32bit/ 192K)
Compass 384 : USD399 (Built in dual PCM5102, support up to 32bit/ 384K)
 
compared to the dac/amp you suggested me?

 

[gradofan1]

What about HIFIMan's own EF-5? I own one and it's a good value for a tube amp.

 

[398698]

Don't I need a DAC for this too

 

[gradofan1]

Well, get a USB Audioquest dragonfly... discounted heavily right now on amazon (either version 1.0 or 1.2)... plus you can use it straight with a laptop because its about the size of a thumb drive!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  What do you know about the 
Compass 8741 : USD429 (Built in dual WM8741, support up to 32bit/ 192K)
Compass 384 : USD399 (Built in dual PCM5102, support up to 32bit/ 384K)
 
compared to the dac/amp you suggested me?

 
The Compass 2 with it's different versions (8741 & 384)?
I guess the Compass 2 has a few extra features, over the NFB-11&15 and is easy to swap modules.
Not really something I would buy, would you yourself have a use of those extra features? 

 

[398698]

I'm using the volume, that's pretty much it... For under $500 which is  the best for a beginner do you think? I just want to plug into my usb and use it, thats all.

 

[gradofan1]

Definitely a Nuforce HDP -- They use the same DAC chip Nuforce uses in their $1500 dedicated DAC's!

 

[gradofan1]

I might mention that it's a the Nuforce HDP is a DAC and an AMP -- 2 in 1, solid state. Many inputs and outputs, very powerful and occupies a small space. Drove my HD650's very well when I began this hobby.

 

[tf1216]

How about the iDSD micro from iFi Audio?  The release date is set for July 21st.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/711217/idsd-micro-crowd-design-power-matters-turboing-with-the-hifi-man-he-6-page-86

 

[398698]

   
The Compass 2 with it's different versions (8741 & 384)?
I guess the Compass 2 has a few extra features, over the NFB-11&15 and is easy to swap modules.
Not really something I would buy, would you yourself have a use of those extra features? 

so for under 500 is the nfb11 best you think?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  So for under 500 is the NFB-11 best you think?

 
Part of me has thought about selling off my NFB-15.32 for the newer NFB-11.
But right now I can't justify the expense.
I'm a little biased for Audio-GD, so to me the NFB-11 is about the best thing for it's price, $405? ($315 + TCXO upgrade $40 + shipping $45?).
Audio-GD owners seem very satisfied, you rarely see anyone selling off their Audio-GD hardware.