Moderately Priced (<$150) Portable DAC/Amp Rec w/ USB

[lild]

Hi All,

Any suggestions for this setup:

Portable: Ipod Touch 2G--> SE420
Sitting down: T61 -->SE 420

I was originally thinking of just getting a cheap USB soundcard for my laptop (X-Fi Go or XMOD), but after searching this forum, I thought maybe a portable Amp/DAC would be a better option.

I was looking at the Total Bithead, but was hoping to spend closer to $100, if possible. I don't listen to FLAC or super-high-quality MP3s. But, anything would be better than the T61's internal soundcard.

Any suggestions?

 

[billybob_jcv]

I have been using IBM/Lenovo machines for many years, and I can certainly vouch for their *horrible* built-in audio. You might want to check out the offerings of hotaudio.com - I recently got one of his hotusb dacs and it does what I need it to do for a very reasonable price. It's only a dac - I use it with a downstream amp, but he does have other products. There are also (of course) the deals that can often be found in the head-fi buy/sell forums.

 

[RAQemUP]

Your only choices would be the Nuforce Icon Mobile and the D2 Boa used. The Nuforce Icon Mobile is relatively new and costs $100. Since it is so new, no one knows what it sounds like yet. Now the D2 Boa which has been reviewed quite a bit on these forums here quite enthusiastically can be had used for under $150 in the FS forums on HeadFi when they pop up.

 

[billybob_jcv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAQemUP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Your only choices would be the Nuforce Icon Mobile and the D2 Boa used. The Nuforce Icon Mobile is relatively new and costs $100. Since it is so new, no one knows what it sounds like yet. Now the D2 Boa which has been reviewed quite a bit on these forums here quite enthusiastically can be had used for under $150 in the FS forums on HeadFi when they pop up.

$100 is not much in this forum, but still, I'm not sure I would call those 2 the "only choice"...

For example, a hotaudio.com hotusb1 is $65 (shipped), and you could add a fiio amp for another $10-$20, or add an ebay Cmoy for $40-50. Or you could build your own Alien DAC for ~$60 and then add an amp. I like options...

 

[lild]

Thanks for the suggestions. Let's say I want to spend under $200. From the reviews I'm reading, it seems the D2 Boa is a good bet.

 

[jwbrent]

Keep an eye out on the Nuforce Icon Mobile. I just got one for my touch and Denon C700 phones and am liking it very much. Haven't tried the DAC...

 

[glc]

Look at the Mad-07 from AudiophileChina. The owner has written to me (e-mail) that the amp is basically the same as a D3 (made by same manufacturer) & list the same specs. The MAD-07 with shipping is $209.

Also FWIW, I put in a test order (6 units) to see if the shipping stays at $20 for ordering more than one at a time. The shipping stayed the same. To my surprise, the next day I got an e-mail offering to ship for free. So,...if you have friends in NYC that are willing to pool their order, you can get an even better deal at the straight $189. That's compared to the iBasso at $244 shipped.

I am in NYC also and am still looking to buy (1) for my co-worker as a gift. Anyone else interested in putting together a shared order?