milesandcoltrane
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2008
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I've scoured through many of the ESW10JPN threads looking for advice on what portable DAC/amp to get for the ESW10JPN. Some say these cans don't benefit from an amp, some say if its a DAC/amp the difference is noticeable. But specific models recommendations are few and far between, at least FWIR.
I'm running ALAC/FLAC files played via iTunes/Play on my Macbook Pro. The MBP has an optical out so I'd like to take advantage of this, provided the SQ is higher than the USB out for the portable DAC/amp recommended.
The uDAC can't be ignored for its amazingly low price. HPA's review is very encouraging. But there seem to be some people with issues - but mostly the hotaudio fiasco I think.
The D10 seems to be quite reasonable in price, offers tweak-ability with opamp swapping and all. And best of all offers an optical input. The D4 is said to be better via USB when compared to the D10 USB but what about D4 USB compared to D10 optical? I reckon someone might have asked this but I can't quite seem to spot the answer in the searches I've done.
I was also thinking of a Home DAC/amp since the improvement in SQ might be better, but this kinda renders the portability factor moot, which is the reason I bought the ESW10JPN in the first place. Still its something to consider do offer your opinions =)
Budget wise, something below 300 would be very preferable. Reason being I'm kinda still pining for the JH13 and gotta reserve funds for that. If any DAC/amp below 300/400 bucks is not gonna offer much improvement to the ESW10JPN then I reckon I might be wiser in exercising some restraint and skipping this DAC/amp upgrade altogether.
Do let me know guys and girls!
I'm running ALAC/FLAC files played via iTunes/Play on my Macbook Pro. The MBP has an optical out so I'd like to take advantage of this, provided the SQ is higher than the USB out for the portable DAC/amp recommended.
The uDAC can't be ignored for its amazingly low price. HPA's review is very encouraging. But there seem to be some people with issues - but mostly the hotaudio fiasco I think.
The D10 seems to be quite reasonable in price, offers tweak-ability with opamp swapping and all. And best of all offers an optical input. The D4 is said to be better via USB when compared to the D10 USB but what about D4 USB compared to D10 optical? I reckon someone might have asked this but I can't quite seem to spot the answer in the searches I've done.
I was also thinking of a Home DAC/amp since the improvement in SQ might be better, but this kinda renders the portability factor moot, which is the reason I bought the ESW10JPN in the first place. Still its something to consider do offer your opinions =)
Budget wise, something below 300 would be very preferable. Reason being I'm kinda still pining for the JH13 and gotta reserve funds for that. If any DAC/amp below 300/400 bucks is not gonna offer much improvement to the ESW10JPN then I reckon I might be wiser in exercising some restraint and skipping this DAC/amp upgrade altogether.
Do let me know guys and girls!