Need a DAC/amp

[Schalldampfer]

I've had about a year with my Total BitHead, but I feel terrible when I think that it's not making full utilization of my HD650. So, what would be the next step up? It need not be portable. And I'm looking for something quite a bit better DAC-wise than the TBH, not that it's bad. I'm looking at maybe 500U SD +/- 100?

 

[onvn]

Corda Aria has quite a decent DAC - and it's amp stage is comparable to other amps its price. A good value hardware.

 

[uraflit]

if you can spend ~$600... save up for a separate dac and amp. i'm sure there are plenty of options on these boards!

 

[spacemanspliff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif if you can spend ~$600... save up for a separate dac and amp. i'm sure there are plenty of options on these boards!

yeah to that. I would get a modded Zhalou or lite dac, great march for less than $250 and the rest for a decent amp

the Central Station is a good choice DAC/AMP usually but IDK about the 650s.

The PS Audio GHCA is pretty nifty if you can find one used (good luck)

 

[el_matt0]

im rockin a zhaolu 2.0. it has a built in amp, but i use a headamp gilmore lite instead of the integrated headphone amp. that setup probably costs roughly what your range was IF you could find good used prices to swap/trade, it would be a bit more if you bought new. i use this setup with AKG701s as well as dt770 pros and it sounds fantastic using computer as source.

 

[Lord Chaos]

I'm using a Benchmark DAC1, which I bought because it is an all-in-one solution. DAC and good headphone amp. It sounds excellent with my HD25 and E500 cans. Solidly made, too. I have no idea if it's the very best out there, but I do think that anyone would be happy with it.

 

[eduj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraflit /img/forum/go_quote.gif if you can spend ~$600... save up for a separate dac and amp. i'm sure there are plenty of options on these boards!

Yeah with 600$ you'll have much more to choose from if you go the separate route of DAC and headamp.

 

[Schalldampfer]

Thank you all for your replies. I shall look into all of them.