[DaMnEd]

Not really, get the stock version and do the mods yourself is my advise.

If I was you, I'd probably wait for the compass too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pricklely Peete /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's happening guys ? Peete.

Not much Peete, the usual.

 

[AudioPhewl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pricklely Peete /img/forum/go_quote.gif What's happening guys ? Peete.

I've got bird-flu. And I might be buying a DacMagic

~Phewl.

 

[ccschua]

Well, for the best sound at good price, Kingwa is coming out with the budget DAC - Compass. I like the components selection : DIR9001, Dale, Alps pot, I2S using PCM2707.etc.

audio-gd DAC Compass

As usual, early birds will get lots of discount or lots of free gift, until the gate close.

 

[Aaron909]

Hey guys, just a quick question. Does anyone know if the Zero DAC would be able to run the Beyerdynamic D770 250ohm? If not, could you recommend any other amp/dac under $200. Thanks in advance

 

[DaMnEd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron909 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, just a quick question. Does anyone know if the Zero DAC would be able to run the Beyerdynamic D770 250ohm? If not, could you recommend any other amp/dac under $200. Thanks in advance

"Run" it, yes. But the ZERO is not a very capable amp, not with your headphones, not with any.

The ZERO is good for it's DAC, really, the amp is very limited.

Look here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/des...d-have-385759/

This new project should give you something better than what the ZERO can offer, it will be a bit more expensive (250 I think) but it will be worth it.

 

[les_garten]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron909 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys, just a quick question. Does anyone know if the Zero DAC would be able to run the Beyerdynamic D770 250ohm? If not, could you recommend any other amp/dac under $200. Thanks in advance

I've used those Phones on that HeadAmp. They work fine. The HeadAmp works great for what it is. It will sound Much better than out of your Soundcard. You will wish that they put out a little more wattage, but as I stated the Zero DAC/Amp is better than line out on your SC. The Head amp will play clean music loud enough to permanently damage your hearing with those phones. It is NOT a high end separate head Amp though.

As far as any other statements are concerned about the Compass. Nobody has heard it as far as I know. We haven't seen the specs on output. There are no comparisons by owners of different phones to say what it does or does not do. Basically it is a Ghost presently. IT does not exist.

It may be the greatest thing since sliced bread.

It may never exist.

Truth will lie somewhere between those two end points.

 

[Aaron909]

DaMnEd - What about the Little Dot MKII, this little amp seems to be getting alot of positive reviews.

Thanks for the info les_garten, good stuff.

 

[DaMnEd]

The Little Dot MKII does not have a DAC, if your looking for a standalone AMP I can suggest you some in that range.

 

[Aaron909]

Ah okay...I'm new to the audio scene as you can see.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for, I just wanna be able to enjoy my headphones. What would give me better sound quality, a $200 AMP, or a $200 DAC?

 

[DaMnEd]

Depends on your current set up, what soundcard are you using, anything good? if it is a decent card then you should probably get a amp.

 

[Aaron909]

I'm using an Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic. I think I'll go with an amp, thanks!

 

[DaMnEd]

Sounds good, I would recommend you this: Mini Millet DIY Tube Amplifier

Out of stock at the moment but they should be building more.

It is a proven design (DIY), with many happy owners.

 

[Currawong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by les_garten /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've used those Phones on that HeadAmp. They work fine. The HeadAmp works great for what it is. It will sound Much better than out of your Soundcard. You will wish that they put out a little more wattage, but as I stated the Zero DAC/Amp is better than line out on your SC. The Head amp will play clean music loud enough to permanently damage your hearing with those phones. It is NOT a high end separate head Amp though. As far as any other statements are concerned about the Compass. Nobody has heard it as far as I know. We haven't seen the specs on output. There are no comparisons by owners of different phones to say what it does or does not do. Basically it is a Ghost presently. IT does not exist. It may be the greatest thing since sliced bread. It may never exist. Truth will lie somewhere between those two end points.

Edit: Just saw you've found the updates in the Zero alternative thread, but here's the link: DAC Compass

 

[decayed.cell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaMnEd /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sounds good, I would recommend you this: Mini Millet DIY Tube Amplifier Out of stock at the moment but they should be building more. It is a proven design (DIY), with many happy owners.

Would you say that amp and a FrankenZero would be the best bang for buck DAC/Amp combo under $500?

 

[goorackerelite]

Hi I'm thinking about upgrading my opamps in the headphone/pre-amp section to the LT1364s. Do those opamps provide a smoother sound or a less harsh sound? What will I gain or lose with that upgrade in the preamp section?

Also, I'm using opa627s in the DAC section to drive a little dot mk3, I've heard that it's too tubey from other members, but I think it sounds nicely lush.