New DAC or AMP + DAC for Sennheiser HD-580 (< 300$)
Aug 18, 2011 at 11:35 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 2

Guust-Fi

100+ Head-Fier
Joined
Sep 9, 2004
Posts
365
Likes
10
I would like to buy a DAC to use with my PC and my HD-580's.
I only need USB and 300$ is my limit.
I will be using this DAC exclusively with my computer and not for music in particular.
I listen to all kinds of stuff on my computer, mostly movies/videos and some electronic music. I guess I'm looking for a neutral DAC?
I probably won't be upgrading my setup until something gets broken after this upgrade.

I do not consider myself a real audiophile. In fact, my hearing could be a bit better.
I do hear the HD-580's sound better overall and their bass is tighter with a different audio source than my PC(of course).

I already have a Headsave Classic amp (with AD8620 opamp, about 120$ in 2004).
Personally I don't hear a big difference with or without the amp.
Some say the amp is pretty good with the 580's though, perhaps I should do a proper listening test.

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/78717/cmoy-vs-headsave-classic
http://www.camerahobby.com/Misc_Headphone.htm

It might be better not to spend money on a AMP/DAC combo as  I already have the amp.
Unless you believe it would sound better.

I've been thinking about all these solutions but I can't decide:
 
  1. Apogee Duet
  2. HeadAmp Pico
  3. Audio-gd NFB-12
  4. iBasso D10/12
  5. NuForce U-DAC2
  6. MF VDAC
  7. Headoom Micro DAC
  8. Matrix Mini-i
  9. FUBAR III USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier
 
What would your advice be?
Thanks.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top