Pico - USB DAC/Amplifier From HeadAmp

[mistahan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elnero /img/forum/go_quote.gif From my understanding the amp is powered by the battery while the DAC is powered via USB.

that's a little confusing, so if the battery runs out, while it's connected via USB, there will be no amplification?

 

[elnero]

That would be my guess.

 

[mistahan]

Are there any USB DAC only that doesn't look so hideous? I mean why can't people make housing look like Headamp style. Simple and clean.

 

[stevenkelby]

Nah, I would think that while connected via USB, it runs off USB power, and charges the internal battery. The battery is only used when not plugged into USB as the DAC isn't working then anyway.

I could be wrong though.

 

[mistahan]

I'm wondering if there's any way I could get a usb dac only model of Pico?

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenkelby /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nah, I would think that while connected via USB, it runs off USB power, and charges the internal battery. The battery is only used when not plugged into USB as the DAC isn't working then anyway. I could be wrong though.

You are.

 

[PeterDLai]

I can't wait to see how this thing's housing looks. Justin really makes very nice looking products!

 

[MrSlacker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistahan /img/forum/go_quote.gif that's a little confusing, so if the battery runs out, while it's connected via USB, there will be no amplification?

Yes. In other words, if battery runs out, it will not be able to output anything.
Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenkelby /img/forum/go_quote.gif Nah, I would think that while connected via USB, it runs off USB power, and charges the internal battery. The battery is only used when not plugged into USB as the DAC isn't working then anyway. I could be wrong though.

USB does NOT charge the battery.
Quote:

Originally Posted by mistahan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm wondering if there's any way I could get a usb dac only model of Pico?

Not at this time. MAY BE in about a year Justin will release a stand alone DAC.

 

[MaloS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrSlacker /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes. In other words, if battery runs out, it will not be able to output anything. USB does NOT charge the battery. Not at this time. MAY BE in about a year Justin will release a stand alone DAC.

Depending on the design of the amplifier - the DAC signal might still leak through unless attenuated. Not a reliable way to dot things though ^.^

Few questions I asked Justin personally:
When another source is connected to line-in, the input from the DAC is muted.
When I pointed out the convenience of having a line-out function also for home use with bigger amplifiers, Justin said he will consider it.

 

[MrJingles]

I haven't seen anyone mention this, but will the Pico have a gain switch for we who use hot IEM's (E500)? I didn't see it in the pics or anyone mention it.

 

[909]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJingles /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't seen anyone mention this, but will the Pico have a gain switch for we who use hot IEM's (E500)? I didn't see it in the pics or anyone mention it.

gain switch far left

 

[MrSlacker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 909 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/dr973/pico-upclose.jpg[/IMG] gain switch far left

You are 100% correct

 

[MrJingles]

Thank you!

 

[Drag0n]

Oh no, dont blow another amp dream of mine by saying the darn thing doesnt recharge batteries! I dont want to open the darn thing to charge and physically wear it out by constantly opening the thing up!
I wanted a Move,,,an SR71.......no charging.
I may end up with that darn Hornet!!!

 

[Lad27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elnero /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm going to make some assumptions here, I'm guessing the overall design goal was to offer an ultra-portable DAC/Amp combo with unheard of quality at its size and price point, I mean we're talking a DAC/Amp combo here that's the approximate size of a Tomahawk with quality approaching and even possibly surpassing the likes of an Apogee Mini-DAC. It's meant to play in a different league than the other USB DAC/Amp combo's that we've seen thus far.

Excuse me my almost noob-ish question here:

What is exactly the point to offer ultra-portable (tomahawk size) USB DAC/Amp combo here? I cannot get my head around USB DAC vs optical/coax DAC issue.
Why go for ultra small size if only music source feeding USB DAC Pico is laptop?
Even though they getting smaller, it could still be a book sized ~1kg piece of of gear. Hardly portable in my definition of portable.

I know that there is only one DAP with optical out there (I have 1 + 1 backup of these), and there are at least 2 dozen of portable CDP's with Toslink around. For owners of these, the super small size of DAC/Amp is paramount.
But why pay premium for having a USB DAC/Amp of size smaller then my laptop mouse? I'm sure not going to lug around a laptop walking my dog or ride bike to work, but I can easily chuck DAP/DAC/Amp in my bum-bag and off I go.

Anybody here have the same concern, or is is just me not understanding USB DAC and "portable" gear issue?

elnero, absolutely nothing against your comment, I just quoted you to better illustrate my point.