what dac do you guys use for your dap?

[Lsportline43]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davei 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.)

Thanks for the info. I guess the iMP-550 is the only decent PCDP with optical out. I don't like dealing with Sony products and Panasonics are not user friendly.

 

[Lsportline43]

I looked at the LaRocco DAC thread over at ipastudio.com and I don't think I would be interested. Personally there's a limit for how much to spend on portable devices. The price range of the Pocket Reference II and Pocket Reference DAC begins to rival that of a home rig!

I would imagine the price of the Pocket Reference Amp, DAC, and Power Supply would be more than half the price of a Headcode. I would just save for a Headcode if I were going to spend that much anyhow.

 

[manhattanproj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

so the dac in dap is better than those in the onboard sound card? and im assuming so cux thats all the daps do. but one question about the trash in trash out theory, if the dap isnt all that good sounding, then how can an amp improve the sq?

 

[Lsportline43]

I've been thinking and I may just buy an amp and not a DAC. I'll just starting saving for a home rig after buying a portable amp. But then again maybe i'll change my mind.

 

[RockinOut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsportline43 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?

Trust me they'll be making Micro DAC for a long time to come or upgrading it soon. They had another model before it also.

As far as profitability, well I'd say that they are making a KILLING $$ on this thing BECAUSE they have no competition. HeadFier's LOVE this thing.

The reason they are not popular is because the concept of headphone DAC and amps especially via USB, optical inputs etc. seem to be very confusing to many, many people. I wish HeadFi would put up an FAQ or sticky regarding SOURCE -> DAC -> AMP -> HEADPHONES, but they won't.

For more info on DAC's generally not just portable ones got to the computer as source forum and amp forum here at HeadFi and browse or search all the old posts.

There are many choices. That's why we're all here at HeadFi. And yes, there are many combo dac/amps out there, but within your budget a separate DAC and amp would sound best.

At higher price ranges you can get good combo dac/amps like the ARIA.

Indeed, choices, choices, choices. . . .

PS Total BitHead has "USB not optical" by design, marketing, and price, not as a flaw. and yeah, the Micro DAC and good amp combo would sound better than Total Bithead.

 

[RockinOut]

The only reason also of recommending Micro DAC and amp combo is because you have a H120.

Many HeadFier's have a H120 & MicroStack combo and they all love it.

It's tried, tested, and it's moderately priced, and reasonably transportable.

I'd love to get an H120/140 myself, but I'm weaning myself of of HeadFi addictions

. Very tempting though.

You already have a great DAP. Whatever you choose will sound good. Just watch your wallet

.

Good Luck.

 

[RockinOut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by manhattanproj so the dac in dap is better than those in the onboard sound card? and im assuming so cux thats all the daps do. but one question about the trash in trash out theory, if the dap isnt all that good sounding, then how can an amp improve the sq?

DAP = DIGITAL SOURCE FILE -> INBOARD DAC -> INBOARD AMP

INTEGRAL SOUNDCARD = DIGITAL SOURCE FILE -> INBOARD DAC -> INBOARD AMP

Whether one or the other is better depends on dap and soundcard.

Yes it does sound better. Why? It's rocket science, and I'm here to enjoy my tunes and to help others, but I'm no rocket scientist (audio engineer)

.

If it didn't sound better, we wouldn't have an entire separate HeadFi amp forum with numerous threads on portable amps for use with amps and we wouldn't have a whole "cottage" industry catering to these HeadFiers.

To my ears with a really crappy 128k recorded radio stream (my dance/trance music), an amp makes it sound better. And a DAC makes it sound even more better. Again one can only use a DAC with digital output DAPs like the Iriver H120. (DAC's can be used with laptop as source too or even with ordinary dedicated audio sources, but that's a separate forum)

For even more info to check out the amplifier and computer as source forums.

It used to confuse me too. It's too bad there aren't more stickies to help everyone out. Everyone's different. That's just my take on it. Hope it helps a wee bit.