[LaurenceS]

Hi all,
 
Just getting back into gear after a 30+ year hiatus.  I currently have a Samsung Series 7 Slate Tablet PC (model XE700T1a-a04us) running Windows 7 Pro.  I also have Sennheiser IE80 IEM's.  I predominately listen to music through spotify (highest quality (320kbps?) streaming setting).  I'd like to move into an external DAC/amp, and am strongly considering the Ray Samuels Audio Predator.  The one consideration that I currently have is that I may eventually drop some $$$ for nearfields like the Dynaudio BM5aMkII's (I come from a pro-audio background), but the Predator only has the 3.5mm headphone out.  The only other consideration that is on my mind right now is the "out" on the slate.  I have USB, but I also have micro HDMI.  I primarily listen to classic rock/blues (Eric Clapton, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Dire Straits), Synth-pop (Depeche Mode, Scritti Politti), Jazz, and Classical.  Is the Predator the best option given these parameters in the $500 price range?  There's so much new technology out there in the market, it's positively overwhelming.
 
Thanks for your help,
 
Laurence M. Schwarz
Edmonds, WA
USA

 

[LaurenceS]

Hi Again,
 
I also just found the thread in the forum comparing the Predator to the Headamp Pico, so there's another option there too!
 
-Laurence

 

[deathzero34]

Just by curiosity, do you intend to move around with your set-up like : "listen from the tablet on the bus" or would it have an already prepared spot on a table at home so you just plug the table and enjoy your music?

 

[LaurenceS]

Move around/travel with it.  That's why the battery power in the Predator and the pico are as appealing to me as they are.
 
Thanks,
 
-Laurence

 

[deathzero34]

Most veteran of these forum seem to prefer the pico for its warmth. You might be able find one that is used and cheaper on the forum to (in the selling/buying section)
 

 

[LaurenceS]

Excellent!  Thank you for your valuable opinion!  Being an old school analog guy (I "cut my teeth" on rebuilding old Dynakit mono-bloc's) I definitely like warm
 
Thanks again,
 
-Laurence

 

[Bones13]

I like the simplicity of the DACPort, it fits in my travel headphone case well, and I don't need to remember to charge it.(half the time I traveled the Predator was dead)
 
My portable setup = MBP/MBA with DACPort, 500gig music USB Disk and AudioTechnica ESW10JPN headphones.
 
The DACPort will handle up to 24/96, which is not matched by many of the generic USB DACs.
 
BTW, there are folks reporting good success using the DACport as DAC/Pre in front of powered speakers in a desktop setup.

 

[deathzero34]

Wouldn the Dacport eat the battery out faster. I know I might be pushing but do you know the difference of the battery life between the dacport vs predator?

 

[music25]

I have the RSA Predator and it's great for portable use - extremely long battery life!  This amp has three different gain settings and can accommodate a variety of headphones/IEMs