[game_fanatic]

$400 is a bit steep, I was thinking around $150-$200, but I'd go a bit over $200 if there was an amp/dac at a fantastic value around that price range.

At the moment hardly any stereo receivers/amps have optical inputs. I know this probably isn't the right question here, but is there an issue using a 5.1 receiver in a standard 2.0 setup? I want great sound quality, but I don't think my Energy C-100's require a $400 amp, ya know? If I'd get the same quality from a 5.1 receiver for $250 or so I might just go that route.

 

[etiolate]

well, you definitely can use that receiver for a stereo setup. there is probably some option on there to disable the surround and sub. i know there is for my hardon/kardon...

by amp/dac combo you're referring to headphone amp right? not speaker amp.

 

[game_fanatic]

yeah the amp/dac combo I am looking for would be for my headphones (haven't quite decided on those yet, potentially the Denon ADH2000's). It would be an expensive setup (amp/DAC + headphones + stereo amplifier) but boy would she be a beauty!

 

[etiolate]

most all (if not all) headphone dac/amp's that aren't portable have rca outputs. i don't know about a combo that's under $200 though. someone else probably will, or you could check around the dac section of the forums.