[Mrtn77]

That'd depend on what you want and need.

 

[Syan25]

@Syan25 and what would that be?

You're asking me which dac/amp combo? For $400 - you are looking at portable dac/amp only I think

 

[Syan25]

Try ibasso or Ray Samuels...

 

[ilhamuh]

do i really need a dac? or should i just spend the whole $400 on an amp? i dont really get what the dac does. i know it converts the whole binary thing but isn't the computer already does that for me?

 

[ilhamuh]

That'd depend on what you want and need.

just a better sound quality in general. i currently do not own any amp/dac. my dap is cowon j3. i've tried my brother's dx50 and can't really tell the difference.

 

[Mrtn77]

  You're asking me which dac/amp combo? For $400 - you are looking at portable dac/amp only I think

Don't be ridiculous.
A lot of popular "sedentary" DAC/amps usually recommended here can be had for $400 or less : ODAC/O2, the cheaper Schit stuff, the Yulong, Audio-GD and Matrix series, the list goes on and on.
You only need to skim this very thread to get pages of recommendations.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

do i really need dac? or should i just spent the whole $400 on amp? i dont really get what the dac does. i know it convert the whole binary thing but isn't the computer already does that for me?

 
The real problem isn't the DAC chip but the analog output stage after it. A dedicated DAC (or one device with both HPamp and DAC in it) would have a better output stage on it designed for delivering a cleaner signal to the amp. In some cases the reason for getting one can be because the PC's soundcard gets a lot of noise from inside the computer chassis, which is usually inaudible with for example PC speakers but then becomes audible when you start using more sensitive (and transparent) amplifiers.
 
 

  You're asking me which dac/amp combo? For $400 - you are looking at portable dac/amp only I think

 
Schiit Modi $99 + Asgard2 $249 + shipping

 

[Syan25]

DAC/amp as a single unit....that was what I thought he was referring to...

 

[allets]

 
Schiit Modi $99 + Asgard2 $249 + shipping

I second that. After days of research and frustration, that was the setup I shortlisted before realising there's no real way to plug a CD player into it

 

[Tuco1965]

  I second that. After days of research and frustration, that was the setup I shortlisted before realising there's no real way to plug a CD player into it

 
Depends on the output of your cd player.  If it has optical out then you could go with Modi optical.

 

[allets]

   
Depends on the output of your cd player.  If it has optical out then you could go with Modi optical.

I've already gone for a marantz cd6005 player my friend and I'm really happy with it. The post was for the gentlemen seeking a dac/amp

 

[Dragonzeanse]

If you don't want an amp/DAC combo that colors your sound, go with the Objective2 + ODAC. Pretty much as neutral as you can get from an amp and DAC.

 

[betula]

I have $400 to improve the HD600. What should i buy? DAC/AMP or DAP? Sorry if it's a repost.

Schiit Magni or Vali (depending on your preference), plus Fiio X3 (Portable player and usb DAC) works fine for me. And it fits your budget as well...
(X3 is not enough to drive HD600 at full potential on its own, but with an amp it is miraculous.)

 

[ilhamuh]

   
The real problem isn't the DAC chip but the analog output stage after it. A dedicated DAC (or one device with both HPamp and DAC in it) would have a better output stage on it designed for delivering a cleaner signal to the amp. In some cases the reason for getting one can be because the PC's soundcard gets a lot of noise from inside the computer chassis, which is usually inaudible with for example PC speakers but then becomes audible when you start using more sensitive (and transparent) amplifiers.
 
 
 
Schiit Modi $99 + Asgard2 $249 + shipping

 
 

  I second that. After days of research and frustration, that was the setup I shortlisted before realising there's no real way to plug a CD player into it

 
thank you!

 

[Transformatron]

My friend gave me his HD 600 box so I have 2 now! Yay!