Bought the LCX amp and HD-6XX phones. Would this DAC in amp-bypass mode work well as a sonic pairing? I've heard good things about the Emotiva DC-1 DAC also (DC-2 probably coming out soon also). The DX7 and DC-1 would give me an interim solution until the LCX ships in March (!) so don't mind paying a little extra for an amp I'll probably never use again after I get the LCX. I'm also considering a DAC only, like Bitfrost although it doesn't have balanced outputs. How much should I focus on balanced outputs? I'm trying to keep my DAC budget to $500 but value sound and design/build qualify over balanced just to have balanced. Any subject matter experts out there that can help me? Thanks
SysEngrdc-1 is currently ur best bet for a balanced dac. at the current price it's a bargain. I have one and I love it.
also the schiit Jot. will be an excellent choice too with the usb dac. I love min with the senn hd 600 using xlr out to my headphone and usb from pc.
PaulWTDOCThanks, I was originally considering the Jot w/DAC but opted for the Cavalli LC X instead for the amplification. Couldn't pass it up. The Emotiva DC-1 has been on the top of my affordable balanced list. But, balanced aside, would you have gotten the DC-1 if it was only an unbalanced/SE DAC? Would you have paid $300-$400 just for the DAC function?
SysEngrSysengr
I have the dc-1 feeding an Emotiva A-100 Bas amp, and using this amp for my headphone power. I have applied the jumpers on that amps ( see Emotiva manual, page 11) , and now I am routing all 50 watts of power to the headphones,.. holly shit!!1 u have to turn that dial on the amplifier very slowly and I cant pass 9 o'clock on the volume dial in fear of frying my headphones and my ears. the se out of the dc-1 provides amazing sound quality. I am using the USB input from my pc to play Spotify, and omfg,....the Sennheiser HD 650 & HD 600, the Hi-Fi man HE 400I, AND 350, AND THE AKG7XX, AND THE MONOLITH 1060 AND 560 & 565 ALL SOUNDED AMAZING.
THAT'S TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA ON ALL THE HADPHONES I HAVE TRIED WITH THIS COMBINATION. THIS DC-1/A-100 BAS X PUT MY SCHIIT JOTENHEIM
TO SHAME,....
I did join the MD on the cavalla LCX will see how it does but I am more then confident that my current setup would come on top, with any dedicated headphone amp. the sound is amazing, clear, detailed, strong, with excellent sound stage and mind blowing clarity. check out the Z review ( https://youtu.be/LKgA6qyOCWQ ) on this bas x Emotiva amp. I think the combo can run u 550-575 but it will be the last ha amp/dac u will ever buy, period.
SysEngrHave you decided which dac/amp to get? I'm on the same dilemma for my. MD HD6xx. First i was decided to get the AudioGD R2R.11 but due to the clicking/pop i've read it makes me think twice. Now, i hope i can stretch my budget to 500usd. I'm also looking for balanced alternative so the upgrade path for 6xx is much easier
DC-1 and Jotunhiem is now on my list.. Too hard to decide esp if you have limited budget..
OnthecornermanilaI owned the r2r11 and sold it due to the popping noises. It's a great dac/amp combo, but even running it via optical still had the popping issues. I have the same setup as the guy above - DC-1 -> a-100 and have added the Aune x7s to the mix as well. I have to say that the a-100 is an impressive piece of gear. If they ever decide to make something similar to this with balanced inputs and a balanced output... game over in my mind.