I had been thinking about putting together a "portable" headphone system to use in the conservatory in readiness for those warm evenings (Har Har!). This system was (hopefully) going to sound as good as my main system - Squeezebox Classic > TC-7520 (modified) > DIY M3 Headphone Amp > AKG K701 Cans.
Enter the γ1 (gamma 1
http://www.amb.org/audio/gamma1/ ) which I had read about a while back. It seemed to fit the bill - USB, Coax and Optical inputs, compact, USB or wall wart powered.
A quick check on the parts list - Looking good, should cost less the 100GBP complete.
So I went for it.
Well, I have just completed the build and the unit is bedding in (is that necessary?).
I was expecting reasonable performance, but this little DAC is seriously good IMHO - Well above my expectations, and then some!
And what a nice little project - Perfect for any DIY electronics fan.
If any of you guys are interested, I will take and post a few snaps of the DAC, and also my take on how the γ1 compares to the TC-7520.
Cheers - Ken