[Shizdan]

I have no plans on ever going with a balanced system. I think I'd like to go with the Dac_II due to the amplifier, But if the amplifier impacts or degrades the sound quality of the dac then I'd skip it. What do you think?

 

[roker]

I question the power of the inbuilt amp. Can it drive your 580s efficiently?

 

[Shizdan]

Well, I already have a Little Dot MK III for the amp, I just would use the Dac amp if anything ever happened to the MK III.

 

[Palpatine]

I'd be inclined just to go with the DAC1. Something about extra functionality vs. simplicity has me thinking that the latter may do its job better.

 

[Olias of Sunhillow]

Quote:

Originally Posted by roker /img/forum/go_quote.gif I question the power of the inbuilt amp. Can it drive your 580s efficiently?

I asked David about the capabilities of the Dac_II's amp before I placed my order, as I wanted the amp to be able to drive a range of different headphones adequately. Here was David's response:

"The built-in headphone module is actually very close to the output stage on our Little Dot I+ hybrid, in that it's a discrete transistor based output. It's actually extremely well suited to delivering high current output to low impedance headphones, which they require to sound their best. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at its performance with your Grado and AKGs!"

Obviously, my question was about my low-impedance phones, but the sense I got from David was that if you like the way the I+ drives your headphones (minus any "tubey" effects), you should be satisfied with the Dac_II. My Dac_II and my HD650s are coincidentally both scheduled to be delivered today, so I guess I'll find out in the next few weeks whether the unit is best served with my RS-1s, K702s or HD650s.

 

[Shizdan]

Well I ended up just going with the Little Dot Dac_II

 

[Olias of Sunhillow]

So my Dac_II arrived today as expected... how great is it to come home from a stressful day at work and find a new toy (or two) waiting for you?

Anyway, even though I bought the unit primarily as a DAC, I've been pretty curious about its usefulness as an amp. As a result, I've spent the evening rotating through my cans and have some out-of-the-box impressions.

With RS-1: Very nice, but not all that different from my Cyber 20 tube amp. There's a little less warmth with the LD, but there's noticeably more bass as well.

With K702: Somewhat disappointing. I'd hoped for a fuller sound from the AKGs than I've experienced with my tube amp or uDAC. I'd hope that burn-in improves the amp's performance with the 702s.

With HD650: Wow! Full disclosure: I just got the Senns today as well, so I haven't had a chance to listen to them critically in lots of different situations. That said, the combination of Dac_II and HD650s is the most pleasing I've heard with any of my amps and cans. Bass is ample and tight, detail is perfectly appropriate, soundstage is impressive. Listening to the new Jerry Garcia Band live release, Let it Rock, with this combination has been an immensely satisfying way to wind down my day.

I know this is the DAC section, but the question of the Dac_II's capabilities as an amp came up here earlier, so there you go. It does, for what it's worth, seem to be a desirable DAC as well.

 

[roker]

Hmmmmmm ... Considering the LDI+ is supposedly not powerful enough to drive the 650s your impressions are saying otherwise. It makes me want to give the 580/600/650s a chance with my amp now.