What to do buy new headphones or buy a amp+DAC?
Nov 9, 2008 at 12:43 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 20

DeltaX5

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I have Grado SR 125's and using PA2V2 amp on my crappy Sound blaster Live! Sound card. It sounds grate for me. Just wish I for some warmth and if possibly better bass and makes the treble less harsh. My budget is around $200 also stat some $300 maybe I will consider it. I would like it to have a USB DAC if it’s the amp and doesn’t have to be portable since I mostly listen to music at my PC.
 
Nov 9, 2008 at 10:10 AM Post #2 of 20
The warmth and better bass you are after could come from a better DAC to 'smooth out the sound', so long as you generally like the sound of your headphones. Don't try to turn them into something they're not - you're better off buying new headphones; but if it's just a little tweak you're after a change in DAC/amp might suit you best. Using an optically fed DAC from your PC in place of your sound card might cut out a bit of noise which should help too. Loads of choices within your budget.
 
Nov 12, 2008 at 12:23 AM Post #7 of 20
If I were you I would check out the Zero DAC/Amp. It will be a good sound upgrade and it will make it so you don't have to rely on your crappy sound card.
 
Nov 12, 2008 at 2:25 AM Post #8 of 20
Well, obviously I can recommend my AV-710, it sounds really nice for the price and is a good bit-perfect transport.

There is another really great card FS now - the Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 with upgraded opamps is awesome, just need to replace the last one, I use it at work because it's low-profile (half-height) and sounds really good.

There are also a couple of AlienDACs on the forum, also nice options.

These are all quite inexpensive and to get better sound, it takes a nice price hike to reach next level, likely around the $200 range.

There is an EMU0404USB on the forum as well, not bad at $150.
 
Nov 12, 2008 at 3:11 PM Post #9 of 20
You also may want to check out the KECES DA-151 DAC, my friend just picked one up for $289 and is a definite upgrade in source quality.

That being said Grado's tend to have that harshness so you may also want to look for smoother sounding cans when you can, imho.
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Nov 12, 2008 at 9:39 PM Post #11 of 20
Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Personally, wouldn't recommend the Keces 151; it's a wall-powered AlienDAC coupled with half-assed film caps to a CMOY in front of it.


But you do recommend the PCI audio card you are selling? My vote is also for the Keces 151.

http://cgi.ebay.com/KECES-DA-151-USB-DAC-never-sounded-so-good-on-computer_W0QQitemZ150307893556QQcmdZViewItemQQptZR eceivers_Tuners?hash=item150307893556&_trksid=p328 6.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1 |240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fubar-II-USB-DAC...3286.m20.l1116
 
Nov 12, 2008 at 11:28 PM Post #13 of 20
I am in Toronto Canada. So if there are any local stores that sell these types of DAC would rather that. But I guess ill do some research on the ones provided and make the decision when I come up with the money.
 
Nov 13, 2008 at 3:13 PM Post #15 of 20
Pass on the Sound blaster Live!, and get a "real" source...
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