[CapQ]

For some reasons, three years ago I got rid most of my gears like Bel Canto CD-2, DAC3, Violectric V200 amp as well as some cans like RS1 vintage and K701. Maybe I just spent more time on my new career, or I just lost interests on headphones.....It really doesn't matter now. Today when I took my only gears (a pair of Denon D7000 and a SqueezeBox Duet MOD) out of the closet, I suddenly realized that they can still give me the pleasure like the old times. 
 
But here's the problems:
1. SBD MOD only got Digi out like OPT and COAX, no line out, which means I need a DAC/AMP combo with digi in.
2. I dont want to spend more than 300 bucks for this DAC/AMP combo because I don't have enough time to enjoy music like the good old days i my uni life. I just expect a solution can provide ACCEPTABLE sound.
 
Please give me some advises. Thanks in advance.
 
Luther

[size=1.17em]  [/size]

 

[NA Blur]

Perhaps give this a read:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/620775/the-sub-200-portable-amps-shootout-11-10-amps-compared/120
 
The O2 amp and ODAC combo, found here http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48 sounds and measures quite well.  It has USB in for your digital needs if that will suffice?

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

Perhaps give this a read:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/620775/the-sub-200-portable-amps-shootout-11-10-amps-compared/120
 
The O2 amp and ODAC combo, found here http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=48 sounds and measures quite well.  It has USB in for your digital needs if that will suffice?

The only digi in is USB so I think O2+ODAC combo are not what Im looking at.
Thanks mate. 

 

[CapQ]

bump ~~~~~~~ for any other solution?

 

[thecourier]

I know about the DDH-1 but is a new product, and the price ranges from $400 and up
http://amimuse.com/product/musik-ddh1/

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

I know about the DDH-1 but is a new product, and the price ranges from $400 and up
http://amimuse.com/product/musik-ddh1/

Sorry mate I never heard it before. I noticed that this product hasn't released yet. Could you let me know the sound feature of this DDH-1? Thanks.

 

[hodgjy]

What you are requesting is a tall order.  Amp + DAC combos typically don't cost around $300, and those that do, usually only have USB.  You want an Amp + DAC with coax or optical for $300.  There aren't many options that are worth listening to.
 
You'll most likely have to settle for a separate units or up your budget.

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

What you are requesting is a tall order.  Amp + DAC combos typically don't cost around $300, and those that do, usually only have USB.  You want an Amp + DAC with coax or optical for $300.  There aren't many options that are worth listening to.
 
You'll most likely have to settle for a separate units or up your budget.

 
I googled some but never heard them before:
How about HUD-MX1 or the new coming MX2? or the Yulong U100?
Here's another Chinese product Matrix Mini-I. 

 

[hodgjy]

Matrix and Yulong are generally liked.  However, the Yulong you mentioned is USB only.  The Matrix looks like a decent unit.

 

[BGRoberts]

I have an early version of the Zero DAC that I recently bought from a member here on Head-fi.  So far, I'm liking it quite a bit.  My version does not have USB, but the 2012 version does.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-NEW-VERSION-ZERO-dac-637U-24-192KHZ-DAC-HEAD-AMP-USB-OPA637-CHIP-SILVER-/251044026519?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3a7363d897
 
~BG

 

[steve2151]

First dac/amp I ever bought was the Audio GD NFB-12. Excellent little box for around $260 shipped. It takes coax/toslink/USB. The latest version (NFB-15.32) has front panel switches for the various Wolfson dac filters and a 32 bit 384 KHz USB input.
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB15.32/NFB15.32EN_Specs.htm

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

Matrix and Yulong are generally liked.  However, the Yulong you mentioned is USB only.  The Matrix looks like a decent unit.

Hmmm yes thank you for correct me.

 

[CapQ]

Quote:

First dac/amp I ever bought was the Audio GD NFB-12. Excellent little box for around $260 shipped. It takes coax/toslink/USB. The latest version (NFB-15.32) has front panel switches for the various Wolfson dac filters and a 32 bit 384 KHz USB input.
 
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB15.32/NFB15.32EN_Specs.htm

This looks like a nice solution with comprehensive inputs. However I heard before that Audio GD's products sound flat and disinteresting. Never doubt their technique and skill but just wonder whether they can let people to enjoy the music.

 

[jackwess]

The Audio GD doesn't suit everyone tastes, some units are very regarded but certain models not. You need to try them first. 

 

[nigeljames]

Quote:

This looks like a nice solution with comprehensive inputs. However I heard before that Audio GD's products sound flat and disinteresting. Never doubt their technique and skill but just wonder whether they can let people to enjoy the music.

 
Audio-gd aim for neutral and uncolored, except their 'musical' line, so if that is not to your taste then maybe stay clear, but I would never call them 'flat and disinteresting' unless you are deliberately looking for a colored system.