[smok2d]

Hi everybody,
 
I just bought a new Grado sr225i headphones. They sound great, very detailed, but I believe that they can do much better if I connect them to something better than my laptop's sound card.)) Also, my laptop's sound card just died recently and I think that the best solution is to buy a usb sound card/amp/dac. I have found a few things and would really appreciate if someone can suggest me which one will be better for Grado or maybe suggest something else. Also, I would like the amp to have a 1/4 (6.3 mm) headphone outlet so I can plug the Grados without the adaptor. Here are my choices:
1.AUDIOTRAK Prodigy CUBE External USB Sound Card
2.HA INFO U2 Plus AD1852 Mini USB DAC + Headphone Amp + USB Converter 1pc
3.E-MU 0204 USB 2.0 - USB Audio Interface
 
Thank you
 
P.S. I don't have much money so I'm looking for something under 100$))))

 

[soundstige]

FiiO E7 at around $70 used is very nice if you don't mind "colored" sound. It will make your bass more prominent and soften the highs a little, which could be beneficial for Grado. It is otherwise very clean and good sounding.
 
If you don't want colored sound, and don't mind buying from China/HK on eBay, search for "PCM 2704 USB" on eBay. The 2704 is a very clean and neutral chip and is automatically recognized on all modern operating systems as a sound device. There are multiple pre-built ones in metal cases for $20 or so. I have one and use it 100% of the time when I want to listen to music on my laptop, the difference between the built in laptop DAC and this USB DAC is night-and-day.
 
Edit: neither has a 6.3mm plug, but adapters are incredibly cheap, and it can always be reterminated. I've reterminated at least a dozen of my own headphones including Grado.

 

[smok2d]

thanks, I saw a lot of people use E7 as an amp for grado. What do you think about the options that I was telling in my first post?

 

[tme110]

I'm not familiar with any of your initial options but also think the e7 is worth looking into. though I'd try to stretch it and go for the e17 myself.