Optical to DAC vs Headphone Out

[pow3rtr1p]

So, would there be a noticeable difference if I were to run my Optical Out to a decent DAC, with no amp, vs my headphones plugged straight into the headphone out? Also, if I were to amp both, would there be a noticeable difference?

Thanks,
pow3rtr1p

 

[pianomav]

Headphones out of what? A portable or an expensive CDP ? Usually an optical out fed to a decent DAC will sound alot better than the player itself unless you're comparing it to an expensive CDP. DACs normally don't have amps in them but there are a few that does such as the DAC1 and DA10 but these are quite expensive if you're just starting out. If you're wondering on what to upgrade first, this upgrade path is usually what most people would recommend..

headphones (1st) -> source -> amp -> cables

 

[003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pianomav /img/forum/go_quote.gif this upgrade path is usually what most people would recommend.. headphones (1st) -> source -> amp -> cables

x2

 

[pow3rtr1p]

I'm running from my PC's sound card. Sorry, probably should have mentioned that...

 

[pianomav]

Ok, the next question is how much is your budget? Since you have a nice pair of headphones already, i would recommend that you get yourself a decent dac (depending on your budget), then the amp. These 2 components would get you started to hearing the best out of your headphones.

 

[Redo]

What sound card?

 

[fjf]

Unamped a good headphone sounds thin and too bright, painful at times. A bad idea. If you have a good sound card, get an amp. If not, get both. A good DAC alone is not worth it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pow3rtr1p /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, would there be a noticeable difference if I were to run my Optical Out to a decent DAC, with no amp, vs my headphones plugged straight into the headphone out? Also, if I were to amp both, would there be a noticeable difference? Thanks, pow3rtr1p

 

[crypt@]

Some "decent" DAC only have line-out output, so an amp may still be required.

"Decent" DAC I find to have better channel separation, and therefore better sound stage and image, with clearer and more extensive highs. There is a noticeable difference between the line-out of my iHP140, to digital out of iHP140 and into 840C then line-out to the same amp.

In my subjective, and "head-fi" view, the audio difference is worth the extra $ I spent.

 

[onvn]

DACs don't produce line-level output, plus; most dedicated DACs have only RCA as output connectors so you wouldn't be able to connect your headphones straight into the DAC.. I know many DACs have a built-in amp in them so you can plug in you headphones but you can't expect them to be any good..

So if you're serious about your sound, get an amp AND a DAC..Talking about amps and DACs, I have an Aria up for sale!

Great value for money IMO, you get a very good amp PLUS a quite decent DAC PLUS a crossfeed!

 

[pow3rtr1p]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redo /img/forum/go_quote.gif What sound card?

Check the sig :thumb: Bluegears

I was thinking about a Fubar and a Cute. Decent budget components? I don't have the money for a full-blown DAC and Amp at $500 apiece, but something middle of the road and worth the money would be the ideal solution.

 

[kamal007]

emu 0404 usb is a good choice for source upgrade..it has a built in headphone amp which is okay but adding another amp will improve the sound of course

 

[feifan]

I have to agree with those who say begin your rig with good cans. After that, though, IMHO, a lot depends on everything. Re computer as source, you may want to consider bypassing the soundcard altogether and going with a DAC+amp. In this case, you'd be using the USB out from your computer directly to a DAC. I've found this route to be superior to the soundcard out to whatever. The freely available Foobar2000 is an excellent USB player, BTW. I use HeadRoom's combined Desktop DAC-amp, but there are other DAC-amp hybrids or independents.

 

[pianomav]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pow3rtr1p /img/forum/go_quote.gif Check the sig :thumb: Bluegears I was thinking about a Fubar and a Cute. Decent budget components? I don't have the money for a full-blown DAC and Amp at $500 apiece, but something middle of the road and worth the money would be the ideal solution.

That's a good choice for a budget amp and dac components. I believe they even have a dac/amp combo that is relatively inexpensive so you might want to try that as well if you want to save more.

 

[onvn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pow3rtr1p /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking about a Fubar and a Cute. Decent budget components? I don't have the money for a full-blown DAC and Amp at $500 apiece, but something middle of the road and worth the money would be the ideal solution.

You know.. there is the FubarIII - a FubarII DAC and Cute Battery in one.. much cheaper than buying the two separate..

EDIT: oops.. this is what pianomav was saying..

 

[pow3rtr1p]

I don't plan on ever spending $500+ on a single pair of headphones, so if that's what you mean by getting "good cans", then it's out of the question for now. If I find another pair for < $200, then maybe I'll do that, but as a college student, I'm not buying $500+ headphones. My A900s are plenty good, I just wanted to see if they could be better.

I planned on an inexpensive DAC + Amp, and then just kind of not buying anything for a while, trying to develop my ears with the 2 pairs I'll have, and see what I can consider buying next time.