USB DAC/Amp for HD 600 etc: RSA Predator, Nuforce HDP, Pico, Audio-gd FUN/NFB 12

[Windsor]

Hey guys, 
 
I'm considering purchasing a new DAC/Amp.
 
I mainly listen to music either at my Mac laptop or on-the-go via my iPhone and I'm considering purchasing the Nuforce Icon HDP or RSA Predator, mainly for use with the Sennheiser HD 600, 650, and 25-I.
 
I currently have a Lexicon Alpha USB interface which includes a DAC and supports 24 bit/96 kHz playback.
 
Does anyone have any experience A/B'ing the HDP and the Predator?
 
Many thanks,
Windsor

 

[Windsor]

bump

 

[Armaegis]

Headphoneaddict is probably the best person to ask as I know he has both of those. That said, the HDP is not portable in any fashion, so if you're looking for something on the go then your choice is rather obvious...

 

[Windsor]

Quote 

Headphoneaddict is probably the best person to ask as I know he has both of those. That said, the HDP is not portable in any fashion, so if you're looking for something on the go then your choice is rather obvious...

 
That's a coincidence - I sent HeadphoneAddict a message yesterday about this very matter.
 
I'm aware that the Nuforce HDP requires a power supply; In my above post, I meant I wanted a portable DAC/Amp that isn't being too big that I can't take it with me for use with my laptop when I travel.
 
On-the-go, I mostly use the iPhone 4 with the HD 25 or the Apple in-ear headphones and it sounds pretty good, considering neither of those headphones completely cancel outside noise and that I listen to music at low to moderate levels. I've not heard any portable DAC/Amps - or just portable amps - though, but I'd be willing to. If I wanted the DAC/amp to be portable for use with my iPhone, I'd probably want one small enough to fit into my trouser pocket or take to the gym, and powerful enough to drive the HD 600/650.
 
I'm still considering the RSA Predator, and now also the Pico DAC/Amp; the latter's 24/96 support appeals to me. (just noticed that HeadphoneAddict had that as well)
 
Thanks for replying.
 

 

[Armaegis]

Some ultra-portable options:
Headstage Arrow
Pico Slim
Leckerton UHA-4
iBasso T3/T4
 
The Leckerton is the only one with a dac, the Arrow is probably the strongest.

 

[justin w.]

Quote:

If I wanted the DAC/amp to be portable for use with my iPhone, I'd probably want one small enough to fit into my trouser pocket or take to the gym, and powerful enough to drive the HD 600/650.
 
I'm still considering the RSA Predator, and now also the Pico DAC/Amp; the latter's 24/96 support appeals to me. (just noticed that HeadphoneAddict had that as well)
 
Thanks for replying.
 

Some info for you.  The DAC in the Pico does not support 24/96, rather it is upsampling to 24/96.  However, it does not use a basic "all-in-one" USB & DAC chip.  It has a USB receiver chip, and then a top level 24-bit DAC.  big difference.  Also, the Pico's headphone amp section runs on a 2-cell battery, so the voltage is double what you would get out of an amp with a 1-cell lithium battery.  This results in a doubling of the power output, very useful for headphones such as the HD600/650.
 

 

[Windsor]

bump.
 
Thanks for the response and info, guys. I've added the Audio-gd models listed above, and again, your feedback is most welcome.
 
W