meemorize
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2009
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Hi everyone,
So I have a pair or NHT Absolute Zero speakers (small bookshelf size) connected to my computers (1x Mac + 1x PC) via an NuForce Icon DAC/Amp.
This all worked great but about a week ago I noticed the sound cutting in and out with loud pops that are the same type of pop sound when you turn the NuForce on/off with speakers connected. Then 2 days ago my NuForce just stopped working entirely.
As sad as I may be about this, it's also an opportunity to get a new DAC/Amp desktop combo unit that can drive my little speakers.
After a bit of research I couldn't really find something that suited my needs so maybe you guys know something and can suggest a unit.
I'm after a relatively compact unit that costs less that $500 (if possible) and the following features are a must:
- Inputs: At least 2 inputs. Digital for at least one of them, better if both are either USB or USB+Optical/Toslink, but if it's 1 digital input + 1 analog one that would be okay too.
- Output should be enough to drive my little speakers (the NuForce Icon v1 drives them fine)
- Design: Would be nice if it was a DAC + Amp combo unit but if the DAC + separate amp units combined don't have a massive footprint on my desk that might work too.
- Easy input source switching (like the icon amp) or concurrent audio passthrough on all inputs so no switching is required (like the Audioengine N22). The latter would be preferred.
- Cost: less than $500 but all options considered
- Size: smaller is better in this case but all options considered
So far I've only come around to other NuForce (now Optoma NuForce) products like the NuForce Dia, NuForce DDA-120, NuForce HDP and the Audioengine N22 which unfortunately doesn't have a DAC built in.
Would love some help in finding a great DAC+Amp solution for this computer setup
Thanks for reading!
So I have a pair or NHT Absolute Zero speakers (small bookshelf size) connected to my computers (1x Mac + 1x PC) via an NuForce Icon DAC/Amp.
This all worked great but about a week ago I noticed the sound cutting in and out with loud pops that are the same type of pop sound when you turn the NuForce on/off with speakers connected. Then 2 days ago my NuForce just stopped working entirely.
As sad as I may be about this, it's also an opportunity to get a new DAC/Amp desktop combo unit that can drive my little speakers.
After a bit of research I couldn't really find something that suited my needs so maybe you guys know something and can suggest a unit.
I'm after a relatively compact unit that costs less that $500 (if possible) and the following features are a must:
- Inputs: At least 2 inputs. Digital for at least one of them, better if both are either USB or USB+Optical/Toslink, but if it's 1 digital input + 1 analog one that would be okay too.
- Output should be enough to drive my little speakers (the NuForce Icon v1 drives them fine)
- Design: Would be nice if it was a DAC + Amp combo unit but if the DAC + separate amp units combined don't have a massive footprint on my desk that might work too.
- Easy input source switching (like the icon amp) or concurrent audio passthrough on all inputs so no switching is required (like the Audioengine N22). The latter would be preferred.
- Cost: less than $500 but all options considered
- Size: smaller is better in this case but all options considered
So far I've only come around to other NuForce (now Optoma NuForce) products like the NuForce Dia, NuForce DDA-120, NuForce HDP and the Audioengine N22 which unfortunately doesn't have a DAC built in.
Would love some help in finding a great DAC+Amp solution for this computer setup
Thanks for reading!