[Andrew_WOT]

Currently I am using MicroDAC for my work/home setups.
Lugging it around gets a bit old.
What would be the the next level DAC (after Headroom Micro) to pair with GS-1 for dedicated home setup. I am not looking for 1K setup, just something one or two steps up.

Thanks

 

[johan851]

I learned a lot after reading the "New DAC from China" and the "Clash of the Titans" thread, and I'd recommend those to you as well. They're both 40 pages or so, but I figured out what I wanted from them.

 

[JahJahBinks]

i am still waiting for someone to compare Zhaolu with Microdac.

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JahJahBinks i am still waiting for someone to compare Zhaolu with Microdac.

Stock Zhaolu has a little bit more detail and sounds less congested. This was with the Micro DAC on batteries. They're both around the same SQ level at first listen.

 

[Banach]

That's a very interesting comment, especially because it is the unmodded version that we are talking about here . Is there anyone else who agrees on this opinion? Has anyone compared micro-dac with some modded Zhaolu?

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Any news on Zhaolu 2.0?

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT Any news on Zhaolu 2.0?

Zhaolu probably is not gonna fly as it does not support USB.

What are my other options, I need DAC with USB support?

 

[mrarroyo]

Well if you are looking for an inexpensive but quite good DAC with USB give the Silverstone Ensemble EB01 a chance. At about $100 it is very nice. http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-eb01.htm

 

[Andrew_WOT]

I have checked silverstone already.
I am looking for something a bit better than MicroDac for home rig, not downgrade for work setup.
Thanks

 

[mrarroyo]

There are a couple of Apogee dac's in the for sale forum although a bit more than $300. Good luck.

 

[ODG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT Zhaolu probably is not gonna fly as it does not support USB. What are my other options, I need DAC with USB support?

Why not just get usb-to-digital adapter or soundcard with digital outs. Then you can have any dac to choose from

.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODG Why not just get usb-to-digital adapter or soundcard with digital outs. Then you can have any dac to choose from .

What would be the best soundcard to serve as USB to SPDIF optical/coax transport.
I have heard that Audigy 2NX is the only one that supports asynchronous USB data transfer (reduced jitter). Does that mean that it's the best choice? Can it do bit-perfect digital out?

Thank you.

 

[EdipisReks]

the dialogue II may be right up your alley, though it does have a fairly high noise floor. elnero uses a dialogue II with a GS-1 and RS-1s, and is very happy with the pairing. i like the dialogue II with my PPX3 Slam.

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdipisReks the dialogue II may be right up your alley, though it does have a fairly high noise floor. elnero uses a dialogue II with a GS-1 and RS-1s, and is very happy with the pairing. i like the dialogue II with my PPX3 Slam.

Hmmm, I was thinking about getting a Dialogue II sometime in the future. What is the best way to counter a high noise floor?

Thanks!
Venio

 

[EdipisReks]

don't turn the volume all the way up.

in my set up hiss only appears when the volume knob is turned well past my listening level, and i tend to listen fairly loud (90dB, or so). it probably won't be an issue, even with sensitive IEMs, as i've had no problems when i've used my ER-4Ps. the dialogue II is very nice for the price and quite good in general.