[taymat]

Hi, I've been looking into ripping cds to my pc and running closed headphones from it. I currently have this hi-fi setup: Rotel Rcd-991ae/Arcam a85/Dynaudio 62s. The soundcard that looks most likely to equal this setup is the Lynx L22. I think I need a headphone amp to go with it though, looks like its just a pcb dac. Talking of dacs the one you all seem to like is the benchmark, it also has the added advantage of a headphone amp built-in. The echo layla is similar but seems to have been dis-continued. Any thoughts on what I've said? Other than that the questions in the title, thanks.

 

[Mr.Radar]

If you're using a full-sized PC (not a laptop), then the best card under $1000 would probably be the RME HDSP 9632. A good alternative would be the EMU 1212m or 1820m. If you want to get a DAC then the Benchmark + Chaintech AV-710 (flashed to Audiotrack Prodigy) would probably be the best solution.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I don't know if you read my big comparison of the Benchmark to a number of high-end soundcards, but it kicks them all in the nuts easily, even over the HDSP modded. I have not heard a Lynx card, so I don't know about their sound, but I really doubt it will beat the Benchmark. The benefit of the Benchmark is that you can use a cheapie soundcard like the Chaintech AV710 with no loss of sound quality, whereas other DACs tend to be more transport dependant, though that can be partially remedied by a device like the Monarchy DIP, but that adds the cost of the unit itself, another digital cable, another power cable...

I'd recommend:

AV710 -> optical cable of your choice -> Benchmark DAC1 (what I have

)

or

EMU 1212M or 0404M -> optical cable of your choice -> Monarchy DIP (optional, but preferred for best SQ) -> coaxial digital cable of your chioce (ditto) -> Scott Nixon TubeDAC (or varieties thereof) or Ack! Dack

Note I haven't used the latter potential system, it is constructed based off of the high marks trusted members have given those devices (save the EMU which I know inside&out).


Notice I haven't mentioned anything about staying with an internal card only. This is because you are talking about a price point that enables you to get more than any computer-only device I've ever used has provided, in terms of sound quality. The main advantages of staying with a card-only are low cost (not an issue for you), keeping it discreet (again, not an issue), or keeping it simple for simplicity's sake (ditto).

 

[tiberian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer AV710 -> optical cable of your choice -> Benchmark DAC1.

ditto

 

[Zoide]

What headphones would you be using with your new source? That could make a difference in terms of how cold/warm, bright/dark you'd want your source to be.

For example, the Sony CD3000's sound too bright on the Benchmark DAC1 (according to Iron_Dreamer; I haven't listened to it myself).

 

[yeeyy]

Buy urself a E-MU 0404 and use the money u saved for a trip.

 

[taymat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide What headphones would you be using with your new source? That could make a difference in terms of how cold/warm, bright/dark you'd want your source to be. For example, the Sony CD3000's sound too bright on the Benchmark DAC1 (according to Iron_Dreamer; I haven't listened to it myself).

I was thinking of these as they seem to be the best closed headphones you can get without having a mega-buck headphone amp:
Beyerdynamic DT250-80
Sennheiser HD-280 pro
Beyerdynamic DT770M
Ultrasone HFI-700
Audio Technica ATH-A1000
Why closed? Well I'd like the approx. 50db from the tv (I share it with my bro) to be almost in-audiable when listening to music. I've realised background noise needs to be reduced so I can set my music at a lower level, and still get a sense of loudness. This is because I have tinitus at 19,

as a result of listening to 2kw sound systems a few years ago, courtesy of a mate and metallica.

You're heart pounded with the beat.

Thats the reason for my move from speakers to closed headphones though.

 

[lojay]

Quote:

Quote: Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer Quote: AV710 -> optical cable of your choice -> Benchmark DAC1. ditto

I own the E-MU. But still, ditto..

 

[kunwar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lojay I own the E-MU. But still, ditto..

hey maybe we start a ditto thread as well.
i have this and going strong
The Benchmark has all the inputs and outputs busy what with connections from my dvd player, the receiver and the computer into it.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I can't speak fo rthe other cans you listed, but the DT770-80 and DAC1 have mad synergy, I can't fault anything about this combo, it sounds fabulous. Comparisons with the HD650/Cardas to come.

 

[taymat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron_Dreamer I can't speak fo rthe other cans you listed, but the DT770-80 and DAC1 have mad synergy, I can't fault anything about this combo, it sounds fabulous. Comparisons with the HD650/Cardas to come.

'Mad synergy', and on that line I'm sold! That was the combo I was leaning towards so I think a dac-1/dt770-80 is coming my way.

I'll get a chaintech av-710 as well and disable the on-board sound.
Final question though: Whats the best player and plug-in for sound quality/ soundstage when playing back lossless files through headphones? I use musicmatch with the dolby headphone plug-in and to my ears, its better than wmp with the 4front or hearo plug-ins.

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

You'll want to use foobar2000 and ASIO or kernel streaming output, it has a crossfeed filter you can use, though I don't think you'll need it with that rig.

FWIW, after listening to the HD650/Cardas for a while, the mids and highs of the DT770 sound a bit boxed-in, not as airy as the Senns. They do have a bit more low bass power, though. The DT770/80 has a slight raise in the highs around 5kHz or so that makes sibilance a little more obvious than the HD650, but it is nothing like the other DT770 models (250 and 600) or the V6, thank god. I only noticed it by comparing with the HD650. The HD650/Cardas is a nice upgrade from the DT770/80 in my rig, but it ain't worth 3x the price and the loss of isolation, that said, since I didn't pay retail, it's stayin'.

 

[intlplby]

i wish some of the DIY gurus would come up with a cheap comparable DIY DAC since i cant afford the Benchmark DAC1

 

[kunwar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by intlplby i wish some of the DIY gurus would come up with a cheap comparable DIY DAC since i cant afford the Benchmark DAC1

funny thing, i tried to find one for so long.
Now that I have it, I can't understand how I went without it for so long.
My recommendation, save your money and buy the benchmark, you will not repent it one bit

 

[pbirkett]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunwar My recommendation, save your money and buy the benchmark, you will not repent it one bit

Until the next big thing comes along, eh?