p997tt
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2005
- Posts
- 22
- Likes
- 7
Hi,
I am currently in the process of saving up for the next upgrade. Right now I am planning to spend NZ$3000 max (around US$2000) and it will still take about 3 more weeks until I can save up that much. But I want to do my research earlier so when the time comes, I don't need to spend time thinking of what to buy.
Anyway, here is how my current setup goes:
E-MU 1212m -> CIAudio VDA2 with VDA1 power supply -> Stax SRM-727A -> SR-007A
I think there are only two things I can change: amp and external DAC. I am quite happy with the 1212m and I don't see how changing the soundcard will help my setup.
From what I read, Stax amps aren't good enough to drive the 007A and the KGSS is better. I checked Headamp's website, the KGSS is just under NZ$3000 but I don't really feel like waiting 8 weeks for the amp to arrive. Is there other amps I can consider around this price range?
As for external DAC, what are some recommended options? Can an external DAC within my budget even provide a good enough improvement over my CIAudio DAC? I have read quite a few comparisons around the internet for the CIAudio vs other more expensive DACs, including one here on Headfi (VDA2 vs ECD1), and the more expensive DACs don't really sound that impressive compared to the CIAudio unless I look at the ones that cost 5-6 times more. (please bear in mind that I don't know much about high end external DACs so maybe there are some exceptionally good ones for around US$2000 that I missed while I was researching around)
Is US$2000 a bit too little if I want to upgrade my current 007A setup? I have no interest in buying tube equipments, but I don't mind buying second hand if the seller is willing to ship to NZ.
Any input would be great. Thanks.
I am currently in the process of saving up for the next upgrade. Right now I am planning to spend NZ$3000 max (around US$2000) and it will still take about 3 more weeks until I can save up that much. But I want to do my research earlier so when the time comes, I don't need to spend time thinking of what to buy.
Anyway, here is how my current setup goes:
E-MU 1212m -> CIAudio VDA2 with VDA1 power supply -> Stax SRM-727A -> SR-007A
I think there are only two things I can change: amp and external DAC. I am quite happy with the 1212m and I don't see how changing the soundcard will help my setup.
From what I read, Stax amps aren't good enough to drive the 007A and the KGSS is better. I checked Headamp's website, the KGSS is just under NZ$3000 but I don't really feel like waiting 8 weeks for the amp to arrive. Is there other amps I can consider around this price range?
As for external DAC, what are some recommended options? Can an external DAC within my budget even provide a good enough improvement over my CIAudio DAC? I have read quite a few comparisons around the internet for the CIAudio vs other more expensive DACs, including one here on Headfi (VDA2 vs ECD1), and the more expensive DACs don't really sound that impressive compared to the CIAudio unless I look at the ones that cost 5-6 times more. (please bear in mind that I don't know much about high end external DACs so maybe there are some exceptionally good ones for around US$2000 that I missed while I was researching around)
Is US$2000 a bit too little if I want to upgrade my current 007A setup? I have no interest in buying tube equipments, but I don't mind buying second hand if the seller is willing to ship to NZ.
Any input would be great. Thanks.