[musedesign]

Interested in finding a transportable amp/DAC for HD650s. 
 
Would like an amp/DAC I could use as a bedside amp, able to be thrown in my travel bag.   I use a MacBook Pro as my source.  Thinking an amp/DAC would sound better than an amp and the MacBook Pro sound card??  Also thinking an amp with AC will power the headphones better than battery powered Amp/DAC  Any other suggestions?
 
Sparrow Version A $240
IBasso D4 $199
Used RSA Predator $300 (??)
 
 
Thanks!

 

[eugenius]

CEntrance DACport

 

[musedesign]

Quote:

CEntrance DACport

Thanks Eugenius, I am trying to keep the budget to less than $300, I believe the CEntrance DACport is $399, but if that is the best choice...
 
-Mark

 

[violinvirtuoso]

Out the ones you listed, I liked the Sparrow the best. The D4 was better than the RSA Predator (if you want a battery operated thing). You may want to look into the iBasso D6. Another device you may want to look into is the Audinst HUD-MX1.
 
Keep in mind, some devices can be USB Powered (ex. Audinst HUD-MX1).

 

[AVU]

Sparrow is the best of those options, esp for your phones.  I'd get version B with the upgraded DAC.  But why not go for the NFB-12?  Only about $30 more.

 

[FEAST]

I have heard good things about the NuForce uDac - you might want to look into that...

 

[eugenius]

The nuforce udac2 is not good for the HD650. Neither tonally nor as far as power goes. Really, if you want something that's USB powered and it doesn't have a big battery to power the HD650, the DACport is by far your best bet. It's just ok for the HD650.
 
If I were to choose a transportable system for the HD650, I would choose these two: HRT Streamer Pro + Ray Samuels Emmeline SR-71B. And it still woudn't sound as good as a desktop amp/dac, but it would get damn close.