Massdrop x Grace Design Standard DAC Discussions | Drop

Massdrop x Grace Design Standard DAC

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BIGGUY4x4

Sep 6, 2017

Should I get this or schiit modi for my hd6xx?

Sep 6, 2017

BIGGUY4x4This is apparently better than an ODAC which is better than the Modi, so get this.

PigmonkeY

1082

Sep 6, 2017

BIGGUY4x4Frankly, there is not much out there that ISN'T better than schitt's gear, until you hit the ridiculous high end, and then you're overpaying.

Sep 6, 2017

CokemanNot really

Sep 6, 2017

PigmonkeYHow the tide is turning on Schiit crew... 12 months ago they could do no wrong... But in any case I had one horrible experience with Schiit... Sound and quality was way below my expectations... In research of other products from them I always found something which was a deal breaker for me... In my opinion they are poorly designed and with below par quality... Just small things like power switches on rear side, luck of controls, etc...

Sep 6, 2017

Quimet93I am just speaking hypothetically. I think most would agree that the ODAC is better than the Modi. And supposedly this is better than the ODAC, but we will have to see.

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Sep 6, 2017

CokemanBut this is not better than an Odac neither a SMSL Sanskrit 6th.

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Sep 6, 2017

Quimet93And how do you know that?

Sep 6, 2017

CokemanAnd how do you know otherwise. Just check the specs. And the inputs/outputs.

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Sep 6, 2017

Quimet93I did the specs on this are better than the ODAC, but you can't just judge a DAC on specs.

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Sep 6, 2017

CokemanWhatever, it's just a DAC. There will be barely any difference. And Europe shipping customs would make it more expensive than other better optios. Oh and remember that you haven't tried it yet ;)

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KJ741N

Sep 6, 2017

ld100To be honest, I think many people are drawn to Schitt by their juvenile company moniker. Brilliant marketing strategy, I guess. When thinking about serious audio gear, I try very hard to like Schitt, but I just can't do the "bent sheet metal" ethos. For my time and money, I want something more refined.

Afterman

237

Sep 6, 2017

BIGGUY4x4I'd just get this unless you want more input then the Schiit has it.

Sep 6, 2017

KJ741NShort of "Audio Interfaces" I'm having a hard time finding a DAC with balanced line level output, and a volume knob. All I want is clean sound, no roll off or coloring of the audio, any recommendations? At the moment I'm looking at a Fostex PC-100USB-HR-2, but it lacks balanced outputs.

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Sep 6, 2017

KethVolume knob on a dac? You need a dac amp probably...

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KJ741N

Sep 6, 2017

KethKeith, that's what I wanted too. I had been using a Focusrite interface and it had line-level volume control (separate from the headphone volume) and I loved using it. Looking for a dedicated audio DAC, I couldn't find one that had it. What I did was insert a master volume control downstream of the DAC (see below). Not perfect, but it works fine and is a very common solution.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-1eBW.shtml

Sep 6, 2017

KJ741NSo the one I mentioned in my post is the same model with a 24 bit DAC, it just lacks balanced outputs. The joys of powered monitors...I'm currently using a Peavey USB-P, the 16-bit DAC in it isn't really an issue...but the lack of volume control is. http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-100USB-HR2.shtml

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Sep 6, 2017

ld100Actually no, I need line level output for powered monitors. There are solutions out there, they just lack balanced outputs.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-100USB-HR2.shtml

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AlexVallejo

Sep 6, 2017

KethGrace m920

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Sep 6, 2017

AlexVallejoWould certainly get the job done, but way over kill. Not trying to buy into the audiophile DAC with the roll off and other filtering, and overkill 32-bit dac. This is just for powered monitors, so I need the signal as flat and untouched as possible, I'm just trying to save myself from having to spend money on an audio interface as I don't need inputs.

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KJ741N

Sep 6, 2017

KethKeth, I'm using a TEAC UD-301. It has balanced XLR outputs (as well as RCA if you need them) that can be controlled by its volume knob. Highly recommended, professionally executed audio gear. Lovin' mine..
BTW, I'm not an audio engineer, but from my reading it's my understanding that balanced signals are intended for situations where the cable runs are very long - over say 20 or 30 feet, and are used to eliminate EMI. If you aren't in a studio and don't have that long of a run, I don't think the balanced/unbalanced paths make any discernible difference.

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Sep 6, 2017

KethYou need a preamp... :)

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KJ741N

Sep 6, 2017

ld100.. correct. Keth, as one suggestion, check my post above - the UD-301 will perform as an excellent preamp.

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Sep 6, 2017

KJ741NI can recommend Audio-GD. Far better product than Schiit for sure.

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Sep 6, 2017

ld100Audio-GD is a high end brand. There is no $100~ DAC from them as far as I know.

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Sep 7, 2017

KJ741NThey run just fine with the USB-P and no preamp, and the unit I linked is recommended by Fostex to be connected to the PC and Monitors directly. Every USB DAC I've seen outputs line level, so why the heck would I need a preamp for powered monitors?

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BIGGUY4x4

Sep 7, 2017

Aftermansweet, was only gonna use it for my hd6xx, so i dont really the rest of the inputs

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BIGGUY4x4

Sep 7, 2017

BIGGUY4x4really appreciate all the responses!!! I think i might get these because they are cheaper than the modi. Also, could anyone recommend a good amp around the same price point as the magni? or is the magni a good pair with this?

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KJ741N

Sep 7, 2017

KethTo clarify, by "preamp" we simple mean something with the volume control you want. No tone, loudness, or anything else.

Sep 7, 2017

KJ741NYeah, I currently use application volume, hat's why I made my post. I'm currently Leaning towards the Fostex PC-100USB-HR2 24-bit DAC with weighted volume knob, or the Audioengine D1, both of which have volume control and are not burdened with unneeded amplification.

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KJ741N

Sep 7, 2017

KethExcept it doesn't have the balanced out you want. Check out the TEAC - it has everything you are looking for.

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starvoice

Sep 7, 2017

KJ741NSecond this recommendation, very natural and well performing DAC/pre in the UD-301 case.

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wbahm

Sep 7, 2017

ld100I have also heard that their customer support is really bad sometimes

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Sep 7, 2017

wbahmYou mean Schiit customer support? Rude and clueless. Returned defective device. No apology... Restocking fee... Did not offer replacement... Reached out to the owners. Rude beyond any reason. Restocking fee was refunded, but thier attitude is repulsive...

Sep 7, 2017

CokemanBut you have NFB 11.28 which is one of the best price/performance DAC/AMP with preamp and line out selector. Really hard to beat for the price.

KJ741N

Sep 7, 2017

Quimet93I think Keth wants balanced XLR out. I don't see that on the NFB unit.

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KJ741N

Sep 7, 2017

ld100I'd hate to be them. If you think about it, how could one expect a company the founder named "shit" on purpose to end up a legitimate, long-running concern? It's a joke that gets old very quickly.

PigmonkeY

1082

Sep 7, 2017

Quimet93Have a brand new 11.28 with TXCO upgrade sitting next to me right now. I don't think i'll ever need a headamp upgrade.

Sep 7, 2017

PigmonkeYI have one also. Great device. No schiit...

Sep 7, 2017

KJ741NTo be fair they do make good gear and have devoted following. The problem is the gear is not that good as their fans say it is... Quality is not perfect... Owners are unpleasant...
For my money I want better.

PigmonkeY

1082

Sep 7, 2017

ld100I kind of want to buy some cheap IEM's and see if i can get them to set on fire with the 40w per channel from the NFB 11.28 :D

madmax69

Sep 10, 2017

Quimet93what do you thinl ill pay extra on customs,is that a problem with price drop ?regards mk

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