tennisplyr3
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2007
- Posts
- 226
- Likes
- 11
At this point in my life, I'm one to move around quite often, so I need to keep my belongings organized and to a minimum. I'm looking for a portable DAC/Amp all-in-one because my old portable dac/amp stopped working (long story).
The headphones that I'm looking to use it with are the Sennheiser HD650's and the HiFiMan RE0's. Before anyone says, "Go for a desktop full-size amplifier and a separate DAC," I wanted to say that I don't have much space on my desk and want to listen to music at work as well, so the appeal of a portable amplifier is such that I can transport it and carry it with me as needed. Additionally, I like listening to my RE0's while I'm on the bus/plane on long trips -- where being able to carry it around in my pocket comes in handy. 30% of my listening will be with the HD650's, while 70% will be with my RE0's. Almost all of my listening with the HD650's will be through the USB-out, while most of my listening on the RE0's will be through my Sansa Clip+.
I don't want to spend more than $600. I was perusing the forums to read up on some information about what's available. So far, the Headamp Pico, RSA Predator, and iBasso D4 have stood out for me, but I'm not sure which one to consider getting. I'm also open to other suggestions. Here's my understanding of the various amps:
Pico - excellent DAC, neutral sounding (on the cold side perhaps?); 3 year warranty (battery covered for 3 years as well); not much burning-in required
Predator - DAC not as good as PICO; longer battery life than Pico, stronger bass, more forward sounding, more noise with USB out (as indicated by http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu...predator.htm); lifetime warranty w/ battery warrantied for 3 years; ~1200 hours of burn-in are needed for this amp to reach its potential; best when solely used as an amp
D4 - excellent DAC(s); dual DACs (not sure how this works or why anyone would need 2); less than half the price of the Predator and Pico; one of iBasso's finest amps to date; uses 9V batteries; option of op-amp rolling (never done this before; hesitant to physically alter the amplifier)
Here are some of my concerns....
1) While the Predator's lifetime warranty is very appealing, if -- heaven forbid -- that Ray would be unable to attend to his customers needs, who would be able to continue serving his client base?
2) I really liked the crossfeed filter on my previous amp because it made listening to pure stereo less fatiguing. I noticed that none of the amps listed above have one. Would I be missing this feature much?
3) While the Pico and Predator have the option of being powered through a separate AC/DC adapter, the D4 can only be powered by USB or 9V battery. Would listening through the USB be sufficient to drive the HD650's? (I know some people will jump in and say that only a desktop amp can properly drive the HD650's; I would like a portable DAC/Amp though).
I listen primarily to classical piano/violin, rock, pop, and indie music. I'm also open to other DAC/Amp all-in-ones as well. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
The headphones that I'm looking to use it with are the Sennheiser HD650's and the HiFiMan RE0's. Before anyone says, "Go for a desktop full-size amplifier and a separate DAC," I wanted to say that I don't have much space on my desk and want to listen to music at work as well, so the appeal of a portable amplifier is such that I can transport it and carry it with me as needed. Additionally, I like listening to my RE0's while I'm on the bus/plane on long trips -- where being able to carry it around in my pocket comes in handy. 30% of my listening will be with the HD650's, while 70% will be with my RE0's. Almost all of my listening with the HD650's will be through the USB-out, while most of my listening on the RE0's will be through my Sansa Clip+.
I don't want to spend more than $600. I was perusing the forums to read up on some information about what's available. So far, the Headamp Pico, RSA Predator, and iBasso D4 have stood out for me, but I'm not sure which one to consider getting. I'm also open to other suggestions. Here's my understanding of the various amps:
Pico - excellent DAC, neutral sounding (on the cold side perhaps?); 3 year warranty (battery covered for 3 years as well); not much burning-in required
Predator - DAC not as good as PICO; longer battery life than Pico, stronger bass, more forward sounding, more noise with USB out (as indicated by http://gilmore.chem.northwestern.edu...predator.htm); lifetime warranty w/ battery warrantied for 3 years; ~1200 hours of burn-in are needed for this amp to reach its potential; best when solely used as an amp
D4 - excellent DAC(s); dual DACs (not sure how this works or why anyone would need 2); less than half the price of the Predator and Pico; one of iBasso's finest amps to date; uses 9V batteries; option of op-amp rolling (never done this before; hesitant to physically alter the amplifier)
Here are some of my concerns....
1) While the Predator's lifetime warranty is very appealing, if -- heaven forbid -- that Ray would be unable to attend to his customers needs, who would be able to continue serving his client base?
2) I really liked the crossfeed filter on my previous amp because it made listening to pure stereo less fatiguing. I noticed that none of the amps listed above have one. Would I be missing this feature much?
3) While the Pico and Predator have the option of being powered through a separate AC/DC adapter, the D4 can only be powered by USB or 9V battery. Would listening through the USB be sufficient to drive the HD650's? (I know some people will jump in and say that only a desktop amp can properly drive the HD650's; I would like a portable DAC/Amp though).
I listen primarily to classical piano/violin, rock, pop, and indie music. I'm also open to other DAC/Amp all-in-ones as well. Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
