Pico - USB DAC/Amplifier From HeadAmp

[Iron_Dreamer]

Pipe down, it does recharge the battery, after all it's a li-on battery, it just doesn't charge it through USB, but your more conventional wallwart a la the Hornet amongst others.

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pipe down, it does recharge the battery, after all it's a li-on battery, it just doesn't charge it through USB, but your more conventional wallwart a la the Hornet amongst others.

Whew! There is a God! *Puts Pico back on my wishlist*

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lad27 /img/forum/go_quote.gif 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.

The appeal is that it can do double duty. It's very small so works well for the people that do want a truly portable amp on the go (DAC portion is an option... remember?). Since it also can have a DAC (and a damn good sounding one) it can make for a smaller footprint on your table tray while in the air, on your desk or just less to carry with that laptop. After all, why carry larger separate pieces of gear if you can get quality SQ from something so portable and versatile?

 

[909]

probably he didn't know HeadAmp will also offer just an amp version. so the DAC is optional for added convenience and simplicity in one exceedingly tiny and integrated package. The Pico DAC/Amp combo is most likely best suited for those that bring their notebook out and about, don't want to be tethered to their main rig whenever and wherever, or want to use the office computer with it to get audiophile sound.

 

[kramer5150]

NM... got my answer already

 

[909]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Curious.... Is the Pico amplifier section a 3-channel design (L/R/G)?

please share...

 

[Lad27]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakeride74 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The appeal is that it can do double duty. It's very small so works well for the people that do want a truly portable amp on the go (DAC portion is an option... remember?). Since it also can have a DAC (and a damn good sounding one) it can make for a smaller footprint on your table tray while in the air, on your desk or just less to carry with that laptop. After all, why carry larger separate pieces of gear if you can get quality SQ from something so portable and versatile?

That makes sense. Somehow I didn't realize that in some cases the desk space around computer could be at premium.

 

[MrSlacker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lad27 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That makes sense. Somehow I didn't realize that in some cases the desk space around computer could be at premium.

Sometimes size doesn't matter. I for one, planning to use Pico as a DAC for my PC. I have plenty of space... Pico DAC just sounds damn good! It doesnt matter if it would size of a matchbox or bigger than a desk... if it sounds good, who cares how small it is?

 

[milkpowder]

Am I the only one here who actually can't believe what he's reading? A $500, MiniDAC-rivalling, super DAC/amp the size of a Tomahawk?!

God help my wallet...

On a more serious note, won't the Pico be limited to an input sampling rate of 48kHz since it's using USB? It's not really an issue since the DAC apparently upsamples to 24/96 anyway. Also, I wonder if anyone has impressions of using sensitive IEMs with the Pico both as a standalone amp and DAC/amp combo. (ignore if it is covered in meet impressions thread)

 

[PeterDLai]

I've always wanted HeadAmp to release a USB DAC/Amp combo. My wallet never wished for them to.

 

[enjoiflobees]

I really want to see enclosures and colors. I mean it could be the ugliest thing in the world and id still buy it because of how impressed I was with it, but it would be nice to see the product soon so I either cry because it is ugly or be super happy because it is good looking and great sounding.

 

[MrSlacker]

Quote:

Originally Posted by enjoiflobees /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really want to see enclosures and colors. I mean it could be the ugliest thing in the world and id still buy it because of how impressed I was with it, but it would be nice to see the product soon so I either cry because it is ugly or be super happy because it is good looking and great sounding.

Look at HeadAmp's other products. Justin keeps the same styling for all of his products. He also said that Pico will be in the same enclosure type as AE-2

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by enjoiflobees /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really want to see enclosures and colors. I mean it could be the ugliest thing in the world and id still buy it because of how impressed I was with it, but it would be nice to see the product soon so I either cry because it is ugly or be super happy because it is good looking and great sounding.

while i wouldn't categorized the headamp enclosure designs as avant-garde, they have clean lines with minimalistic simplicity. i'd be happy with this same design philosophy in the pico. i've certainly seen much much worse in the portable amp world

 

[NewMexiCat]

Crap! I was all ready to buy a Tomahawk, and now I read this. Then I start looking at UMPCs for the ultimate portable rig.

Curse you Head-Fi!

 

[tyrion]

I am looking forward to hearing the PICO at the upcoming Florida meet. I don't know if I would ever go back to a portable rig beyond my nano or iPhone (if I get one) but I am curious to hear how good the DAC is.