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AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
ok- newbie here with a decent analog set up but never really "did digital" except for an Ipod from many years ago. I have a ton of cds and now a growing collection of digital files. I own pretty good headphones but need some advice that is not overwhelming on a stack for my desk. I would like to start pretty basic but good quality and can I do this for less than $3-500? Even better if it is under $250. Ok- thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Jfaltins
0
May 9, 2018
AaronA58Keep an eye on the sennheiser he 6xx when it drops again.
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
JfaltinsThanks! That is a DAC set up as I have a pair of their headphones which are fantastic.
Stilgar
48
May 9, 2018
AaronA58When you say, "pretty good headphones" what headphones specifically are you talking about?
If you're just getting started, an integrated DAC/Amp will be a nice upgrade from whatever your built-in computer audio is. Assuming you're talking about playing back your digital audio from a computer.
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
StilgarI have a pair of Nakamichis, Sennheissers and in ears too. I wan to use this for playing music on my computer but also as wondering can I hook up my iPod to this type of situation as well? I have a little dot headphone amp so do I need a stack or just the DAC? It is a bit confusing and my big bucks system days w McIntosh etc. are long behind me.
Stilgar
48
May 9, 2018
AaronA58You should be able to pipe output from a DAC into your amp, so I wouldn't expect that you need to replace your existing amp. Is your iPod the old 30-pin style connector or are we talking newer Lightning connector? There are DACs that are specifically made for iPods, iPhones so that's what you're probably going to want, or you can buy some adapters. http://blog.jdslabs.com/2014/01/how-to-connect-android-ipad-or-iphone-to-a-dac/
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
StilgarI have an old one the U@ version that has the pins and another nano that also has pins but fewer and then a new one w the lightening connector- What do you think a good reasonable priced DAC is for me to start with?
Socratease
191
May 9, 2018
AaronA58Different iPods used different DAC chips and sound audibly different. See article here: http://macintoshhowto.com/ipod/which-ipod-has-the-best-audio-quality.html Noticing that my old iPod sounded better than my newer one on an improved speaker system is how I started my trip down the HiFi rabbit hole.
Baner
66
May 9, 2018
AaronA58With your budget you can't go wrong with a Schiit Modi Multibit DAC ( there is a used one on sale right now on Ebay for $200) and a Schiit Magni 3 ($99). That is a great bang for your buck entry level stack for $300. Sell the Little Dot.
AaronA58
1
May 10, 2018
BanerTHANKS! I appreciate your advice and that sounds like a good plan. Peace, Aaron
Baner
66
May 10, 2018
AaronA58You're welcome. If you do buy a Schiit mulitbit DAC, you should know that for best results it should be kept on all the time as it needs a few hours to be properly warmed up. That is what Schiit recommends. It won't harm the DAC and it uses very little energy.
AaronA58
1
May 10, 2018
BanerThanks again!
raansire7
1507
May 13, 2018
AaronA58If you want something that sounds better than most stuff you've heard and to ENJOY YOUR MUSIC instead of going crazy on paralysis analysis and having to read online negativity and non-sense from people, I can recommend you a Schiit Audio Vali 2 ($150) and a Schiit Modi Multibit ($250). Music sounds wonderful through that cute, tiny combo. I lose hours immersed in my favorite music and even boring tracks. This is my cheapest setup, which makes me ignore my bigger, "better" stuff. My technically great but boring to my ears Shure SRH1840 sound exciting and musical through them.
AaronA58
1
May 14, 2018
raansire7THANKS!!!
raansire7
1507
May 15, 2018
AaronA58You got it, buddy! :D
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