[niCe99]

I currently have a Denon AH-D2000 hooked to a Head-Direct EF1.

My source is the computer via a Auzentech Prelude.

What is the best DAC for this combo?

a few questions as well.

A DAC will override anything from the sound card correct? meaning my sound card will be useless in regards to music quality?

A DAC can be connected via my soundcard by which output?

The connection of the setup would be like this...

Source (SOUND CARD) --> DAC --> AMP --> Headphone

right?

thanks.

 

[niCe99]

bump

 

[magzcampos]

what is your budget?
yes a dac will bypass your soundcard
a dac can be connected to your soundcard via spdif
and a sound card is (dac and amp) so i would just rather go usb input--->dac

 

[Scott_Tarlow]

the Pico DAC/Amp sounds good with the D2000, so the DAC will prob sound good with the D2000.

 

[koven]

a usb dac connects your usb, it has nothing to do with your internal sound card, you can sell your prelude if you're going w/ an external usb dac

it'd help if you gave a budget, but i can safely and happily recommend the pico dac, i really love mine

 

[niCe99]

budget is 200-500. If there is something that cost a bit more but is significantly better, please by all means recommend it!

i simply want the best quality and would potentially not look into upgrading in the future.

I just got my EF1 so i am sticking with that

any suggestions?

Also a side question about the EF1 since people are here. I am assuming it is called the "OPAMP", the thing sticking out from the top where you can remove it and possibly replace it.

My question (2 actually) is
(1) How do you properly put it in? when i placed it in, there is music coming out but the opamp is loose. In other words, you can easily take it out without force.

and

(2) Is there a better OPAMP for the EF1 and D2000 combo out there when compared to stock (i am guessing the stock is "OPA275")

thanks

 

[niCe99]

bump

 

[niCe99]

bump

 

[GreenLeo]

How about the Audio Sector USB DAC? About $380.

 

[GreenLeo]

Double Post

 

[niCe99]

hmmm AudioSector and the Pico

anything else?>

 

[some1x]

Stello DA100 or PS Digital Link III, both are just a little over your budget. Sell the Prelude to pay for the difference.

 

[niCe99]

that PS Digital Link III looks good actually. Is there a real difference in sound quality between the DACs to be honest?

 

[HeatFan12]

Quote:

Originally Posted by niCe99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif budget is 200-500. If there is something that cost a bit more but is significantly better, please by all means recommend it! i simply want the best quality and would potentially not look into upgrading in the future. I just got my EF1 so i am sticking with that any suggestions? Also a side question about the EF1 since people are here. I am assuming it is called the "OPAMP", the thing sticking out from the top where you can remove it and possibly replace it. I don't own an EF1, however, I believe the only thing sticking out is the tube. Is that what you are referring to? My question (2 actually) is (1) How do you properly put it in? when i placed it in, there is music coming out but the opamp is loose. In other words, you can easily take it out without force. If you are referring to the tube, just check the pins and make sure they match up with the socket and gently rock it in place until it is seated flush with the socket. To remove it just rock and pull it gently out and (2) Is there a better OPAMP for the EF1 and D2000 combo out there when compared to stock (i am guessing the stock is "OPA275") The tube used is a 12AU7. The EF1 does have an OPA275 opamp. thanks

Hope I read your questions correctly in reference to the tube.