Laptop + USB DAC/Amp versus DAP

[brianz]

I am looking for a portable source player to go with my new Denon AH-D7000 headphones. Those are some high-end cans of course so I am looking for high quality on the front end as well. Since most of my on-the-go listening is going to be on planes, I am trying to decide between the Cowon D2 or A3 on one hand, but on the other hand, just using my laptop with a USB DAC/amp. I'd probably go with the RSA Predator. I will be playing FLACs. My understanding is that a USB DAC/amp will bypass the sound card circuitry, making it a true line out.

So - will the sound quality of the USB DAC/amp option exceed the quality of a high quality DAP like a Cowon D2/A3? Theory seems to imply that should be the case, but I thought I'd ask.

Thanks!

Brian

 

[ZoNtO]

Yes

 

[woof37]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianz /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am looking for a portable source player to go with my new Denon AH-D7000 headphones. Those are some high-end cans of course so I am looking for high quality on the front end as well. Since most of my on-the-go listening is going to be on planes, I am trying to decide between the Cowon D2 or A3 on one hand, but on the other hand, just using my laptop with a USB DAC/amp. I'd probably go with the RSA Predator. I will be playing FLACs. My understanding is that a USB DAC/amp will bypass the sound card circuitry, making it a true line out. So - will the sound quality of the USB DAC/amp option exceed the quality of a high quality DAP like a Cowon D2/A3? Theory seems to imply that should be the case, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks! Brian

Are you asking about the D7000 straight into the output of the D2? The D2 is higher output than a normal DAP (I know b/c I have one) but there's no way it'll drive the D7000s by itself. There are some threads on iAudiophile.net about using the headphone out as a line out, I want to say it was inducing noise on some people's gear but I don't remember, it's been a while.

 

[brianz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by woof07 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you asking about the D7000 straight into the output of the D2? The D2 is higher output than a normal DAP (I know b/c I have one) but there's no way it'll drive the D7000s by itself. There are some threads on iAudiophile.net about using the headphone out as a line out, I want to say it was inducing noise on some people's gear but I don't remember, it's been a while.

I'll see how it sounds before getting an amp... I'll be driving it at home with my Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver which was their # 2 in the lineup when I got it two years ago, so it's going to have some serious horsepower. I'll use that as my benchmark. If it doesn't sound as good with the D2/A3 then I'll definitely get a portable amp.

It's got a sensitivity of 108 and an impedance of 25 ohms, which I expect would make it a little easier to drive than a pair of Senn 650's... although I know those numbers don't tell the whole story.

 

[woof37]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianz /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll see how it sounds before getting an amp... I'll be driving it at home with my Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver which was their # 2 in the lineup when I got it two years ago, so it's going to have some serious horsepower. I'll use that as my benchmark. If it doesn't sound as good with the D2 then I'll definitely get a portable amp. It's got a sensitivity of 108 and an impedance of 25 ohms, which I expect would make it a little easier to drive than a pair of Senn 650's... although I know those numbers don't tell the whole story.

You'll be getting an amp, my friend.

You are not going to be doing $1000 headphones any justice otherwise.

 

[royewest]

If you are willing to try to DIY you could build a gamma-1 DAC (or Bantam DAC for that matter) and Mini^3 combo and have a very delightful outboard system to power your headphones...

 

[TheRobbStory]

Quote:

Originally Posted by royewest /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are willing to try to DIY you could build a gamma-1 DAC (or Bantam DAC for that matter) and Mini^3 combo and have a very delightful outboard system to power your headphones...

This is exactly what I'm listening to at work right now through some DT-770's. The sound is divine with FLAC and Apple Lossless through iTunes.

I think total cost for the Mini3 and Gamma1 probably set me back around $200.