[T.F.O.A]

Hi guys,i'm thinking of buying a portable amp/DAC,and i already have some in minds,which one do you guys think is better?
RSA predator,ibasso d10 / d1,pico amp,or airhead/bithead from headroom
it's gonna be sticking in my desk with my macbook pro,not planning to take it out anywhere,but since i live in an apartment,i can't buy something too big. thanks

 

[charlie0904]

D10 is the most talk about affordable portable DAC amp and also able to roll opamps to alter sound. unless you want simple/ease and solid built, can go for pico.

 

[oldskoolboarder]

D10 is a good option w/ a Macbook because you can run optical out of your Macbook directly to the D10.

 

[chesterqw]

depending on how much money you have...

if possible, i will go for the pico with dac.

 

[T.F.O.A]

thanks,for the reply
well my budget is around 200-300 $ because i'm saving to get westone 3 as well

 

[Mediahound]

It's really difficult to find information on the Pico as their website just links back to threads here. Why don't they have pictures of the back of the units?

Also, the iBasso comes from China and I emailed them a question and never got a reply so I'm a bit leary...

 

[oldskoolboarder]

iBasso service is very good, IMHO. A month ago I asked about a cable and they emailed me in about a day or so. I ordered a D10 on a Monday night and it arrived at my door in California on Sat. Not bad from Asia.

Their website is sometimes down but that's more their ISP than the company itself. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them.

 

[Mediahound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskoolboarder /img/forum/go_quote.gif iBasso service is very good, IMHO. A month ago I asked about a cable and they emailed me in about a day or so. I ordered a D10 on a Monday night and it arrived at my door in California on Sat. Not bad from Asia. Their website is sometimes down but that's more their ISP than the company itself. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them.

Thanks for that input. I'm still a bit scared about placing an order since I did not hear anything back to my email.

 

[T.F.O.A]

I see thanks guys,but i'm also considering about sound quality,how does d10 compare with ibasso d1,pico or predator?just curious because i'm planning to buy another portable amp without dac..

 

[oldskoolboarder]

Check the comparison thread on the portable DACs. Most of your questions can be answered there.

Pico and Predator are little more expensive but the D10 can get close to the sound w/ the right op amp rolling.

 

[Scott_Tarlow]

I really love my pico, I haven't heard the other amps, but I think it sounds really good with my D2000's, and it sounded great with my ex ESW9's.

 

[Mediahound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototristan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for that input. I'm still a bit scared about placing an order since I did not hear anything back to my email.

Update- iBasso did email me back. Maybe they were closed on Monday or something.

 

[Doodle07]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototristan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Update- iBasso did email me back. Maybe they were closed on Monday or something.

ibasso's website is just a little screwy. i wouldn't hold it against them. i ordered my d10 last thursday and it got here today (or it would have if i'd been there to sign for the package...grrrr). now i'm just pissed i gotta wait another day.

i want my d10!

 

[ABathingApe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototristan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Update- iBasso did email me back. Maybe they were closed on Monday or something.

Not sure. But I was gonna say, they message me right back every time.

 

[Mediahound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doodle07 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ibasso's website is just a little screwy. i wouldn't hold it against them. i ordered my d10 last thursday and it got here today (or it would have if i'd been there to sign for the package...grrrr). now i'm just pissed i gotta wait another day. i want my d10!

Yeah, I wish they used FedEX or UPS. Both of those in my area allow me to go pick up the package on the evening after a delivery attempt. DHL, no. They have to hold it and you can pick it up the next day during business hours only. At least that's how it is in my area.