[vulc4n]

I've almost bought an E-MU 0404 USB a few times now... but I really dislike the way it looks. Shallow, I know... But when I'm buying a 200.00 device thats going to be sitting on my desk 24x7 I'd really like it to look nice.

Whatever device I get will be used as both a DAC and headphone amp. So my requirements are that whatever I get both be a proficient DAC and have a passable headphone out. As a poor college student I just don't have the money to buy separate head phone amp and a DAC right now. Hope you understand

I think I've loo ed at just about every device out there that falls into this criteria, but there seems to be a general lack in information on the quality of the headphone amp in most of the devices... Are there any better looking alternatives to the 0404 USB?

 

[VeipaCray]

There's the M-audio firewire solo that falls into that pro-audio external DAC + headphone amp category similar to the E-Mu.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeipaCray /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's the M-audio firewire solo that falls into that pro-audio external DAC + headphone amp category similar to the E-Mu.

Yep, I'm familiar with it... I've just never found any info on how the headphone amp compares to whats in the 0404 USB. Thats the issue I've run into on most 0404 USB alternatives.

 

[VeipaCray]

Someone has this older one for sale on head-fi.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f43/ic...le-dac-317111/

 

[1Time]

So basically you're wanting a <$200 DAC/amp other than the EMU 0404 that has the best amp. That could be a popular poll thread if you listed a few contenders and included an option for other.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Time /img/forum/go_quote.gif So basically you're wanting a <$200 DAC/amp other than the EMU 0404 that has the best amp. That could be a popular poll thread if you listed a few contenders and included an option for other.

Exactly.

Eventually I will be buying a stand alone headphone amp, but until then I need a decent integrated headphone amp to get me by.

The poll is a good idea, thanks. I will try that if I don't get a rather definitive answer in this thread.

 

[1UP]

This thread may help

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Headamp Pico?

Quote:

Pre-order pricing for the Pico is $299 as a headphone amp only, or $499 with the optional 24/96 USB DAC, plus shipping.

Ouch. I'm sure its an awesome device, but out of my budget by a lot.

 

[1UP]

Yeah sorry just checked the price then updated my response

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP /img/forum/go_quote.gif This thread may help

Thanks for the link.

In summary it basically says the E-Mu is one of the best DAC's under 200.00 and doesn't really mention about an all in one DAC+amp. [well the Pico is mentioned, but agai nout of my budget.]

 

[breakfastchef]

What about a Leckerton UHA-3 USB DAC/Amp. Comes in under $200. Leckerton Audio - Home

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by breakfastchef /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about a Leckerton UHA-3 USB DAC/Amp. Comes in under $200. Leckerton Audio - Home

IS a portable dac/amp in this price range actually a good choice, though?

 

[22906]

Have you looked at the Ibasso D2 and, Corda 2Move, and Headstage Lyrix?

 

[mrarroyo]

The iBasso D2 is an excellent choice, specially since it allows you to roll op-amps and thus taylor the sound to your liking. Good luck.

 

[vulc4n]

I've never really considered any of the portable stuff all that much because I figured that at this pricepoint they just can't be that great.

Any other thoughts?