yudkib
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2016
- Posts
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- 10
I'm mapping out a system of upgrades for the next year or so, and think I'm starting with a DAC. Its use will be split between commuting and the office. Down the road, I want to get a better set of cans for the office and probably a tube amp. So I'd like to make sure this DAC can give a nice signal on line-out for later.
Right now I have an iPhone 5s and a set of M50's and listen almost exclusively to Spotify premium on high fidelity. Heaviest use is for hip hop, R&B, other top 40, etc., often to write criticism. Balanced is good, but I don't need sterile.
So the must-haves for the DAC are battery powered, documented to work with iPhone 7 (assuming I'll upgrade), and has a suitable signal for line-out if I get a tube amp. After that, good support for HD formats (if that's not standard) since I'l upgrade when there's something better than Tidal. Size is less important, I carry a bag on the train. CCK isn't a dealbreaker but is an extra $40. Power is minimally important - if I end up with hard-to-drive cans they'll probably be off the future tube amp. I solder well and am not opposed to some DIY hacking on the right unit. Budget is closer to $200 than $300, and I'm not opposed to buying lightly used.
So I'd assume I'm looking at the Oppo HA-2 (used), the xduoo xd-05, and the PHA-1 / PHA-1A. There's also a Fostex HP-P1 near me but I'm not sure if it's still available. The Oppo HA-2SE is not available used so it would have to be way better than a HA-2.
What would you do in my shoes? Is this a worthwhile upgrade given my sources? And don't say buy a Mojo, I can't afford a damn Mojo. Thanks.
Right now I have an iPhone 5s and a set of M50's and listen almost exclusively to Spotify premium on high fidelity. Heaviest use is for hip hop, R&B, other top 40, etc., often to write criticism. Balanced is good, but I don't need sterile.
So the must-haves for the DAC are battery powered, documented to work with iPhone 7 (assuming I'll upgrade), and has a suitable signal for line-out if I get a tube amp. After that, good support for HD formats (if that's not standard) since I'l upgrade when there's something better than Tidal. Size is less important, I carry a bag on the train. CCK isn't a dealbreaker but is an extra $40. Power is minimally important - if I end up with hard-to-drive cans they'll probably be off the future tube amp. I solder well and am not opposed to some DIY hacking on the right unit. Budget is closer to $200 than $300, and I'm not opposed to buying lightly used.
So I'd assume I'm looking at the Oppo HA-2 (used), the xduoo xd-05, and the PHA-1 / PHA-1A. There's also a Fostex HP-P1 near me but I'm not sure if it's still available. The Oppo HA-2SE is not available used so it would have to be way better than a HA-2.
What would you do in my shoes? Is this a worthwhile upgrade given my sources? And don't say buy a Mojo, I can't afford a damn Mojo. Thanks.
