[niaboctruk]

Hi everyone,
 
I'm planning to get an USB DAC/headphone Amp for my laptop to improve the sound quality. I mostly listen to melodic death metal / power metal and some rock.
I will be using it with the Ultrasone HFI-780 and I would like it to be Mac compatible too since I am also planning to buy an iMac.
 
After doing some research, I am interested in the following units but I do not know which one will have best SQ and match with my headphone:
 
1. Audinst HUD-MX1 (almost have clicked the buy button)
2. Fiio E7 + E9
3. Audioengine D1
 
I'm new to DAC/Amp so please feel free to give me more suggestions.
 
Although I am open to used unit, given that I am living in Toronto, Canada, It is really hard to obtain an used unit so I do not prefer suggestions of used units (or I am wrong?!?!)
 
 
 
Thanks.

 

[xenochimera]

the hfi-780 seems pretty easy to drive, you can drive it easily with just the e7.

 

[niaboctruk]

So do you think E7 is the best choice for an usb dac/amp in the price range?

I would like to fully utilize my whole $300 to get the best sound quality rather than getting an unit that just has a good bang for the bucks factor. So will the E7 fulfill this requirement? Also, portability is not a factor that I considerate since I will only use it at home.
 
 
thanks.

 

[bowei006]

the E17 works well with my 580(more bassy variant) but dedicated components work better and cost less. the E17 is said to trump the Audinist sonically by a few members.
 
i would not post this thread here. this should be in the full size amp section.