what dac do you guys use for your dap?

[manhattanproj]

what dac do you guys use with your dap? just want to get a general idea of how many people actually use a dac with their dap.

 

[labrat]

Deleted.

 

[manhattanproj]

hmmm...so not too many people use a dac for their dap. that's interesting. so most of you just use the your dap straight up or just with an amp?

 

[RockinOut]

DAC: digital to analog converter

Most DAPs output analog not digital signal.
Only DAP that has digital output is Iriver H120 and H140 (i think).

To use a DAC, one needs a digital input and also need an amp to feed to headphones and to provide volume control.

To me, headphone amplifiers will make most headphones sound better regardless of source.

 

[socrates63]

As RockinOut suggested, there aren't many DAPs with digital outs. In addition to the iRiver H1xx, some older players (Archos?) offered it. But there is no currently in-production DAPs with digital out.

In addition, there aren't any portable DACs in production besides the Micro DAC. I used my H140 with the Micro DAC for a couple of months last year and decided to upgrade my office source.

 

[Lsportline43]

I know there are lots of Portable DVD players with a digital out, but how about PCDP and MiniDisc Players? Are there many PCDP and MiniDisc Players with digital out that are currently in production. I know my, formerly owned, iMP-550 MP3 CD Player had an optical out just like the H120. (iMP-550 is out of production and so is the H120)

 

[Lsportline43]

Oh and I am currently debating whether I should invest in the Micro DAC and a cheaper amp or just invest all into a portable amp. Any suggestions as to what would sound better? (using H120 as my source.)

Looking at these two options:

LaRocco Pocket Reference II out of the H120's line out

or

Micro DAC and Portaphile V2^2 Maxxed using the H120's optical digital out

 

[RockinOut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 Oh and I am currently debating whether I should invest in the Micro DAC and a cheaper amp or just invest all into a portable amp. (using H120 as my source.)

I'd say get a good amp first, then get the Micro DAC.

Each component is separate and should be compared as such: Amp to amp, dac to dac.

Not: amp to dac/amp.

I wouldn't purchase a mediocre amp with the premise that the DAC will improve it.

Things always change. A quality amp will give you flexibility with many types of sources and will grow with your changing needs and rigs.

 

[manhattanproj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockinOut To me, headphone amplifiers will make most headphones sound better regardless of source.

that's interesting. but i thought amp only amplifies the sound, not necessarily making it better, right? provide some insights if i'm wrong

 

[skyline889]

Actually most mp3 players are perfectly capable of driving high impedance headphones to above average listening levels, the main reason why people buy headphone amps is to refine and enhance the sound that is being put out.

 

[RockinOut]

It's not just about volume.

It's about sound quality: clarity, texture, depth, soundstage, separation, smoothness, better bass/treble/mids, and so on.

Quality not quantity. But in fact amps do provide more power and "headroom." Then a upgraded DAC will make a good amp even better.

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockinOut I'd say get a good amp first, then get the Micro DAC. Each component is separate and should be compared as such: Amp to amp, dac to dac. Not: amp to dac/amp. I wouldn't purchase a mediocre amp with the premise that the DAC will improve it. Things always change. A quality amp will give you flexibility with many types of sources and will grow with your changing needs and rigs.

The one problem I'm facing is: What if the Micro DAC goes out of production?

The Micro DAC is currently the ONLY portable DAC available. But headphone amps, such as the LaRocco PR II, are not going to be gone tomorrow. And if they are there'll be a similar product to replace it. For some reason companies don't seem to think making portable DACs is profitable. So anyone know whether or not the Micro DAC is going to be ending it's production life soon?

P.S. I thought the Total Bithead would be a viable option, but there's no optical input!

This is the same design flaw, in my case, with the Porta Corda MKIII is it not?

 

[B-side J]

FYI LaRocco is planning on making a portable DAC to compliment the PR II. I dont know when it is going to be availble but from what I have read it is going to have optical/coax/usb inputs. Check out ipodstudio for all the info to date.
Just thought it might be a viable option if you are willing wait.

 

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-side J FYI LaRocco is planning on making a portable DAC to compliment the PR II. I dont know when it is going to be availble but from what I have read it is going to have optical/coax/usb inputs. Check out ipodstudio for all the info to date. Just thought it might be a viable option if you are willing wait.

Thanks for the info.! Heading to ipastudio.com right now!

 

[davei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 Are there many PCDP and MiniDisc Players with digital out that are currently in production.

A couple of the high end Sony models have an optical out (works with redbook CD only, not MP3 files). Same with japan market Panasonics. I wouldn't bother with the Panasonics though, as their user interface is horrible (can't pause MP3 tracks, can't scan through MP3 tracks, can't resume MP3 tracks, etc.)