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- May 4, 2014
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Hi, I want to "hi-fi" my home office. For now, plan to use this primarily for my iMac as the source of digital files.
Was looking for desktop DAC/pre so I would have a volume control for powered speakers (Focal Alpha 80's, or Emotiva Stealth 8's). Was considering products like Cambridge DACmagic Plus, or Emotiva Steath DAC. Came across a review by Steve Guttenberg of the Audeze Deckhard which he loves for use with EL8's + powered speakers. This got me thinking of putting more emphasis on the headphone amp section, rather than a product that has a headphone jack as a feature, but not the main focus.
Can you help me narrow my search ?
Features I'd like: (budget is < $1000, (could go higher if really compelling , or useful for other future purposes)
Audeze Deckard seems like a great choice. it mutes speakers when you plug in phones, can power wide variety of phones, affordable ($700).
Where I could use help -- What other DAC/pre's should be on my short list for SQ + value?
Chord Mojo comes to mind - feels too small for desktop use, and connectors, and controls are a cool but less convenient than a really nice volume knob. Woo fireflies might work, but still need a DAC, and not sure they have all the features.
At the upper end of my budget, there are Schitt combos, Oppo, Auralic Altair, Mytek Brooklyn,. Questyle CMA800i ($2500) is probably outside my reach. For my near term needs, these may be overkill.
thanks!
-Qua
Was looking for desktop DAC/pre so I would have a volume control for powered speakers (Focal Alpha 80's, or Emotiva Stealth 8's). Was considering products like Cambridge DACmagic Plus, or Emotiva Steath DAC. Came across a review by Steve Guttenberg of the Audeze Deckhard which he loves for use with EL8's + powered speakers. This got me thinking of putting more emphasis on the headphone amp section, rather than a product that has a headphone jack as a feature, but not the main focus.
Can you help me narrow my search ?
Features I'd like: (budget is < $1000, (could go higher if really compelling , or useful for other future purposes)
- mostly likely USB input from iMac.
- handle many types of digital files (don't currently have any DSD's, but may have in future)
- high SQ and enough power for headphones e.g. Audeze LCDs.
- volume control for pre-outs (to control level for pwr.speakers )
- analog inputs for adding a turntable/phono in the future.
- portability could be a plus, yet still must work great for desktop
Audeze Deckard seems like a great choice. it mutes speakers when you plug in phones, can power wide variety of phones, affordable ($700).
Where I could use help -- What other DAC/pre's should be on my short list for SQ + value?
Chord Mojo comes to mind - feels too small for desktop use, and connectors, and controls are a cool but less convenient than a really nice volume knob. Woo fireflies might work, but still need a DAC, and not sure they have all the features.
At the upper end of my budget, there are Schitt combos, Oppo, Auralic Altair, Mytek Brooklyn,. Questyle CMA800i ($2500) is probably outside my reach. For my near term needs, these may be overkill.
thanks!
-Qua
