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DAC for Solo UL and HD650?
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tg [RIP] View Drop Down
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Points: 1866 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tg [RIP] Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 12:33pm

I do not know if you have bought your Senns or not yet, if I were wanting music and needing to economise short term, I might consider a set of relatively inexpensive cans to start off, say Grado SR80 or Audio Technica AT-700, something quite acceptable but not top drawer.

That would leave perhaps enough to go for the (presumably - I have not heard it) better DAC you seem set on.
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DrHouse View Drop Down
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Points: 40 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DrHouse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 1:08pm
@ tg - Yes Ive had the HD650 for a few months now. But from what you said, the DAC should be purchased first, then the amp. 
The Audiolab M-DAC looks very promising. Supports 24/96 USB, and has gotten favourable comments all over the web and here. 
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Fatmangolf View Drop Down
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Points: 9695 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Fatmangolf Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 1:09pm
This may help Doctor. The M-DAC has a headphone amp built in and would do the job until you are ready to upgrade to a Solo UL. I second tg's advice on investing to getting the source right.
 
Jon

Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC.
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Points: 970 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ServerBaboon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 2:07pm
Just muddy the waters again the HRT streamers have had some good reviews. There are threee versions if you discount the iversion one, Base, + and Pro. As with all USB only dacs though you lose the flexibility having tthe Coax and optical inputs.

HRT Music Streamer II + USB DAC
Steve

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Various bits of GSP Kit ..well two so far, unless you count the cables that is.
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suede View Drop Down
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Points: 1202 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote suede Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 3:03pm
If you're opting for a usb dac my advice is you might want to look for a purely usb dac. Other dacs seem to focus on the more serious means of connection = you paying more for what you don't use than what you do.
Originally posted by ServerBaboon ServerBaboon wrote:

As with all USB only dacs though you lose the flexibility having tthe Coax and optical inputs.

Yes that's true but I still think the minimalist approach is better if you're settled on usb connection.

Cheers!
Johan


Edited by suede - 21 Dec 2011 at 3:06pm
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DrHouse View Drop Down
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Points: 40 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DrHouse Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 4:35pm
@ FMG - I was wondering what the headphone labelled output was... this is now a very viable option for the while that I don't have the UL. 
I really hope though that its ample to drive an HD650 with ease. It's a temporary measure, so no big deal. 

@ suede + ServerBaboon - If they had similar performance on USB, I'd be 50 50 between the two (pretty much) but online reviews say otherwise. But, obviously for double the price. I do like having the option of using this with a PS3/CD player in the future, and that's where the M-DACs outstanding coaxial would come in. Plus, the built in amp means I can still listen to my tunes in the meanwhile.

Its looking like the audiolab so far...
Again Thanks to all posting
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mrarroyo View Drop Down
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Points: 1401 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrarroyo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 11:29am
I would buy one item at a time of the highest quality I could afford. To buy multiple items that are not what I would really want creates a need to upgrade.
Miguel
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