[pila405]

Hey, I have a about 300$ to invest in a good dedicated DAC which I will use from my computer. The headphones which I will use are Westone ES3X.

I am open to any suggestion - I know nothing in this area.

I also thought to buy the PICO DAC/Amp, which I can get for 425$. Do you have any suggestions for dedicated none portable DAC in about 300$?

I heard of Audio GD 200 - how is it? or the compass.


Thanks,
Pila405.

 

[MrSlim]

The compass seems to be pretty good value. I've never hear one myself, but there are quite a few fans here on HF.. Since your initial question is about a DAC, but then you are mentioning Dac/Amp combos, I suspect thats what you are really looking for.

Another option that is very good value is the Zero DAC, which has a built in headphone amp as well.. 09 NEW VERSION ZERO 24/192KHZ DAC HEAD AMP @USB OPA2604 - eBay (item 130309529204 end time Jun-08-09 06:42:04 PDT)

There is a very large Zero DAC mod thread on HF that you could get some good ideas about moding it after you have gotten used to the sound and want to improve it..

 

[Koolpsych]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSlim /img/forum/go_quote.gif The compass seems to be pretty good value. I've never hear one myself, but there are quite a few fans here on HF.. Since your initial question is about a DAC, but then you are mentioning Dac/Amp combos, I suspect thats what you are really looking for. Another option that is very good value is the Zero DAC, which has a built in headphone amp as well.. 09 NEW VERSION ZERO 24/192KHZ DAC HEAD AMP @USB OPA2604 - eBay (item 130309529204 end time Jun-08-09 06:42:04 PDT) There is a very large Zero DAC mod thread on HF that you could get some good ideas about moding it after you have gotten used to the sound and want to improve it..

Agreed. I used my Zero dac/amp as both for awhile until I upgraded my amp. Now I use my Zero dac upgraded with an earth hdam and I am perfectly happy with how it sounds.

Very reasonable price too as I see upgraded zeros selling for around $150 USD in the for sale thread.