USB DAC/Amp

[Darren Cotter]

Hi All

I want to get a USB powered DAC/Headphone amp. Something like a Dragonfly 1.2, DacMagic XS, iFI Nano iDSD DAC, Meridian Explorer or the Audioengine D1 Premium.

Has anyone compared the above, or maybe there is something I have missed out I should consider?

Regards

Darren

[mr sneff]

I've not compared them, Darren, but I've been using the Audioengine D1 for a couple of years now. As well as using it as a headphone amp I've also tried it connected to an amp in my main system.

[Darren Cotter]

Hi

Whatever I get will be used with my laptop on my lap, either listening to music or watching Sky Go, while my other half is watching her "Stories". Would the D1 be too big?

Regards

Darren

[mr sneff]

That's exactly how I use mine. Laptop on lap with the DAC on a table or arm of the sofa and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

[WAD62]

The Arcam rPAC is worth considering...

[Darren Cotter]

The Arcam rPAC is worth considering...

Hi

Did think about the rPac, but What HiFi didn't give it a very good review.

http://www.whathifi.com/arcam/rpac/review

Regards

Darren

[WAD62]

Hi

Did think about the rPac, but What HiFi didn't give it a very good review.

http://www.whathifi.com/arcam/rpac/review

Regards

Darren

Did we read the same review? :scratch:

It looked favourable to me, and is certainly more than adequate for sky go! ;)

I use mine at work, with a pair of AKG550s and FLAC, not too shabby at all :)

[Darren Cotter]

Did we read the same review? :scratch:

It looked favourable to me, and is certainly more than adequate for sky go! ;)

I use mine at work, with a pair of AKG550s and FLAC, not too shabby at all :)

I will mainly be using it for flac as well. The review wasn't that good:

Presentation is a touch too smooth. Newer options offer greater subtlety and depth.

[wee tee cee]

the berrhinger uc202 is a cheapo alternative pretty good for the money too....

[WAD62]

I will mainly be using it for flac as well. The review wasn't that good:

Presentation is a touch too smooth. Newer options offer greater subtlety and depth.

Looks like some reasonable contenders here...

http://www.macworld.com/article/2089224/usb-dac-review-six-compact-components-for-upgrading-your-computer-s-audio.html

[Darren Cotter]

Hi

Thanks for the heads up.

Does anyone know if there is much difference between the Dragonfly 1.0 and the 1.2 versions?

Regards

[Darren Cotter]

Hi All

Just tried to buy a Dragonfly 1.2 from Sevenoaks Sound and Vision. They only deliver to mainland UK. Blamed it on their courier. Get another courier then! Or use the Royal Mail. Pathetic.

Ended up getting an ifi i-DAC Micro DAC from David at Mains Cables R Us. Just like Mark Grant, is a quality trader, knows where Jersey is and can take the VAT off at the time of purchase. Between the two, I think I've got most if not all of my future upgrades covered.

Regards

Darren

[WAD62]

Hi All
Ended up getting an ifi i-DAC Micro DAC from David at Mains Cables R Us. Just like Mark Grant, is a quality trader, knows where Jersey is and can take the VAT off at the time of purchase. Between the two, I think I've got most if not all of my future upgrades covered.


A rather timely thread Darren...my portable battery powered Android DAC (FiiO E18) has started playing up, the on/off switch is knackered...I'll not recommend FiiO to anyone again, this is the second product I've had from them that's packed in!!! :doh:

I already use an iFi USB power in my main setup, and I'm impressed by them as a company, so when I spotted this I had to press the trigger...

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-idsd/

...battery powered, android/Linux/windows compatible, very portable, well reviewed and reasonably priced :D

I was tempted by the Micro version, but that's over twice the price, and less portable, so I managed to reign myself in :eyebrows:

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/micro-idsd/

I'll report back after I've tried it, perhaps it'll replace both the E18 & the rPAC...we'll see ;)

[Darren Cotter]

Hi Will

Very pleased with my ifi i-DAC Micro DAC, and have an upgrade path with the Gemini USB cable and the i-USB power supply

Regards

Darren

[WAD62]

Hi Will

Very pleased with my ifi i-DAC Micro DAC, and have an upgrade path with the Gemini USB cable and the i-USB power supply

Regards

Darren

I use the iFi USB Power/Gemini Combo between my SBTouch and MDAC to good effect, I added the Gemini after the USB Power, and would suggest that the iUSB Power is 'better value', or provides a more noticeable SQ improvement in the chain, although I was using a Kimber USB cable prior to the Gemini, so it replaced a pretty good predecessor...:)

iFi DSD Nano should arrive today...:eyebrows:

[WAD62]

I've had the iFi Nano iDSD for a couple of days now, and quite frankly its superb...:)

A noticeable improvement over my rPAC, significantly better than my broken FiiO E18, and does the job of both of them, being a batter powered portable DAC/HP-amp, with windows, android, and linux compatibility...oh some other fruit based devices too ;)

For Android you'll need to invest in USB Audio Player Pro, which is about £5, you'll need an OTG cable, and remember to turn on the power before connecting, otherwise it will draw from the phone/tablet.

For Windows you'll need to download and install the appropriate driver file, works seamlessly with ASIO and WASAPI (using Winamp). Remember to connect it before turning on, this way it will top up its charge from the laptop.

I believe it connects out of the box to both Linux and Apple devices...

It comes with a flimsy bag, but it fits perfectly into a case logic 2.5" protective case, well worth the investment...

And finally it charges from any standard USB charger, which is good news as I don't want to take my laptop on holiday too...

P.S. It even drives my AKG k702s with aplomb! :eyebrows: