[villageidiot]

Hi, I'm relatively new to the whole 'audiophile' thing and need some recommendations on a new dac - budget is at around $200~$350 (I'm willing to stretch it a bit if it's worthwhile).
 
My audio gear consists of a dt990/600 ohm, fiio e9 and creative x fi titanium (non-hd); it is a pretty 'bright' sounding headphone but it's nothing unbearable (enjoying it considerably) but I would love something that would tame the highs a bit (I really wouldn't mind getting a slightly warmish DAC); also, the mids are a bit recessed and I would love something that would flesh it out a bit.
 
So yeah, what I'm basically looking for is:
 
- A slightly warm DAC although I'll be pretty content with a neutral DAC since I don't really find the phones that bright
- Good value for money
- I'm not sure if optical inputs are in every DAC nowadays but it's a must for me; USB input isn't really needed although something future-proof would be nice.
-A DAC that portrays the mids well.
 
That's all I guess. I'm sure you guys get a lot of these kind of threads and would be grateful if you guys helped me out with this (since it's driving me nuts).
 
 
Kind regards,

 

[villageidiot]

Bump!
 
Please help me guys...I'm getting desperate here...and lonley

 

[lee730]

Quote:

Bump!
 
Please help me guys...I'm getting desperate here...and lonley

DACport LX from CEntrance. I really enjoy this DAC and it sounds better than the DACport due to it being a pure DAC. It has a large sound stage, very transparent and beautiful mid range. Its more on the neutral side of things.
 
Hope this helps you .
 
http://www.centrance.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16163

 

[villageidiot]

Quote:

DACport LX from CEntrance. I really enjoy this DAC and it sounds better than the DACport due to it being a pure DAC. It has a large sound stage, very transparent and beautiful mid range. Its more on the neutral side of things.
 
Hope this helps you .
 
http://www.centrance.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16163

That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbh

 .
 
I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.
 

 

[lee730]

Quote:

That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbh

 .
 
I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.
 

Well its meant to be portable. It also has a class A amp inside so it heats up and that aluminum body helps it to dissipate heat. Is also has 24/96 playback so you can listen to high quality Flac at bit for bit.

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbh

 .
 
I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.
 

looks like another light

 
 

 

[Ndug15]

musical fidelity vdac 2!!
 
i recently got it and it is much loved! and it fits your budget @ 350$

 

[Swatcsi]

Schiit Bifrost
 

 

[kstuart]

Neutral, $150, better than anything under $300:
 
www.headfonia.com/the-hrt-music-streamer-ii-asynchronous-2496-for-149-95/
 
They also have a $350 one with yet better sound quality.