nwbaxter66
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2006
- Posts
- 34
- Likes
- 10
I think I posted in the right forum - my sound source being a computer... if not I apologize and am sure I will be moved by a moderator.
I am in the fortunate situation of being able to build a new headphone system to use at work and am looking for some opinions and suggestions. I am currently using an Apple Powerbook G4 through a Total Bithead (via USB) into Sennheiser HD 595s as a starting point and would like to stay with the Powerbook as a sound source initially. I am looking at picking up some AKG K271S headphones to deal with some of the “noise” in the work environment, but would like thoughts on what to put between the two ends
For reference purposes, the Powerbook has USB 2.0, Firewire, Optical Digital out and Line Out so I have some flexibility here.
Here are some of my thoughts so far – I don’t have to spend everything in the budget, but intend to stay in the $1,000 - $2,000 range:
All in one solutions would suggest:
•Benchmark DAC-1 ($1,000)
•PS Audio GCHA ($1,000)
•Apogee Mini-DAC with USB ($1,200)
-- and I can use USB in for all of these solutions
From a component standpoint, the USB options are more limited, but I could use a combination of Headroom Desktop components with Power Supply and Home Modules and integrated DAC for around $1,500.00.
Going to the Optical in or RCA in, gives me lots of options:
Musical Fidelity – X series v3s – start with the X-DACv3, and add the X-10v3, X-CANv3 and the X-PSUv3 power supply would move towards the top of my budget at around $1,800 (from amusicdirect.com). I don’t really need the X-10v3 until I add another source, but …
CI Audio solutions look equally interesting with a VDA-2 and VHP-1 and two VAC-1 power supplies, plus a VPC-2 so I can add another CDP at a later date and stay within my budget.
I was somewhat intrigued by a combination of the Scott Nixon TubeDac+ and 3Xac power supply, but wasn’t sure what headphone amp might suit it well – the Dodd Audio “Stereo Home Amplifier” seemed to be an interesting fit, but either CIAudio or Maximum Fidelity might be good, or the Ray Samuels new Raptor or HR-2 caught my eye.
I did not discount offerings from Meier-Audio or Creek or the Gilmore Lite, but narrowed the list down to those mentioned.
Based on what I have been reading and some simple gut decisions, I am leaning towards the CI Audio components from a sound quality/value for money perspective, which would allow me to add some good cabling and stay well within budget. But I am not convinced, and from what I can find, my listening options in Nebraska are limited.
Choice is a terrible thing Thanks for your assistance and thoughts.
I am in the fortunate situation of being able to build a new headphone system to use at work and am looking for some opinions and suggestions. I am currently using an Apple Powerbook G4 through a Total Bithead (via USB) into Sennheiser HD 595s as a starting point and would like to stay with the Powerbook as a sound source initially. I am looking at picking up some AKG K271S headphones to deal with some of the “noise” in the work environment, but would like thoughts on what to put between the two ends
For reference purposes, the Powerbook has USB 2.0, Firewire, Optical Digital out and Line Out so I have some flexibility here.
Here are some of my thoughts so far – I don’t have to spend everything in the budget, but intend to stay in the $1,000 - $2,000 range:
All in one solutions would suggest:
•Benchmark DAC-1 ($1,000)
•PS Audio GCHA ($1,000)
•Apogee Mini-DAC with USB ($1,200)
-- and I can use USB in for all of these solutions
From a component standpoint, the USB options are more limited, but I could use a combination of Headroom Desktop components with Power Supply and Home Modules and integrated DAC for around $1,500.00.
Going to the Optical in or RCA in, gives me lots of options:
Musical Fidelity – X series v3s – start with the X-DACv3, and add the X-10v3, X-CANv3 and the X-PSUv3 power supply would move towards the top of my budget at around $1,800 (from amusicdirect.com). I don’t really need the X-10v3 until I add another source, but …
CI Audio solutions look equally interesting with a VDA-2 and VHP-1 and two VAC-1 power supplies, plus a VPC-2 so I can add another CDP at a later date and stay within my budget.
I was somewhat intrigued by a combination of the Scott Nixon TubeDac+ and 3Xac power supply, but wasn’t sure what headphone amp might suit it well – the Dodd Audio “Stereo Home Amplifier” seemed to be an interesting fit, but either CIAudio or Maximum Fidelity might be good, or the Ray Samuels new Raptor or HR-2 caught my eye.
I did not discount offerings from Meier-Audio or Creek or the Gilmore Lite, but narrowed the list down to those mentioned.
Based on what I have been reading and some simple gut decisions, I am leaning towards the CI Audio components from a sound quality/value for money perspective, which would allow me to add some good cabling and stay well within budget. But I am not convinced, and from what I can find, my listening options in Nebraska are limited.
Choice is a terrible thing
Thanks for your assistance and thoughts.
