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Psynaut
1
Apr 4, 2017
Hi All, I am thinking about joining this drop but it might be more than I need for my Focal Spirit Pro's. Any recommendations on a DAC/AMP combo would be awesome!
Oh and if there is anyone from Canada that has joined a drop like this I am just wondering if duty is incurred on this as it's made in Colorado?
Cheers!
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 4, 2017
PsynautIt's better to buy an overkill DAC/amp up front instead of one that is "good enough for now" and need to upgrade whenever you buy different headphones later on. Buy once, cry once. Learned that the hard way after buying the Schiit Fulla 2. Now I have a Modi Multibit & Vali 2 and have my eyes on the Jotunheim.
I'll be honest with you, for the money I'd much rather buy the Schiit Jotunheim with DAC instead of the m9XX since the Jotunheim is a much more flexible and powerful unit.
primusd
7
Apr 5, 2017
PsynautHaving just participated in my first drop (AKG 7xx) I can tell you for sure you will have to pay the sales tax when you pick this up from the post office. I also got dinged for an additional $10 handling fee from DHL (as I told MassDrop in my feedback, they should let Canadians and others know there's a chance of this extra fee from DHL).
In terms of duty, a lot of electronics gear is zero-rated under NAFTA (e.g. headphones), but it would really be ideal if MassDrop told people the custom code each product ships with so they can verify for themselves.
Lastly - I joined this drop and can't wait to try it out!! While not as portable as a battery-powered Mojo, I wanted some transportability for what would mostly be desktop usage. I looked into the Jotunheim with DAC, but felt like if I was going to go with a full desktop option with balanced features etc, I'd likely opt for separate amp and dac. I'm new here, but there's my $0.02...
Psynaut
1
Apr 5, 2017
primusdThanks! After looking at the Jotunheim, I found the Fulla 2 and might opt for that.. I don't need extreme amplification as my cans are only 32 ohms and the pricetag on this and the Jotunheim are too steep for me at the moment, especially with duty/tax/handling etc.
I appreciate the replies!
Thanks!
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 5, 2017
PsynautCool, I hope you enjoy it. The Fulla 2 is a great way to get into DAC/amps and see what they are all about. Like I said, the Fulla 2 was basically my gateway drug with this stuff, so hopefully you don't get the upgrade-itis like I did!
zypherion
242
Apr 5, 2017
PsynautYou might want to consider the schitt Modi 2/Magni 2 as well. $99 each if you don't splurge on the uber versions and I can vouch the schitt stack is high quality.
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 5, 2017
zypherionThe Fulla 2 and Modi 2 share the same DAC chip (AKM AK4490), but the Magni 2 is definitely a more powerful and higher quality amp than the one built into the Fulla 2. The Modi 2 / Magni 2 stack would also be a great place to start for sure if you have the cash. If you need portability and don't have any particularly "hard to drive" headphones, the Fulla 2 would be a better option.
zypherion
242
Apr 5, 2017
RiflemanFirstAgreed, if portability is a major concern or if $200 is still too steep, fulla2 kills the stack.
jefe32
149
Apr 5, 2017
PsynautI have always heard, "Buy for the headphones you have not the ones you will have". New dacs and amps come out all the time. Fulla 2 (from all the reviews I have seen) is a great product.
TorStar81
9
Apr 6, 2017
PsynautI'm from Canada. Taxes may apply. Duty should not be (as part of the NAFTA agreement).
CalebRoberts
56
Apr 6, 2017
PsynautRemember that headphone impedance is inversely proportional to maximum power dissipation per maximum voltage. There's a lot misunderstanding in info passed about in forums regarding amps being "powerful enough" for high-impedance phones. The limiting factor is maximum voltage. Rarely do you see someone complain that m9xx can't drive 600 ohm headphones loud enough. 57mW into 600 ohm phones is likely to cause hearing damage.
Paulng
78
Apr 8, 2017
PsynautAudioquest dragonfly red is a solid choice, better than fulla 2, imo :)
Psynaut
1
Apr 8, 2017
PaulngYeah I was looking at that and the Micca Origen+ as well.
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