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AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
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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.
May 9, 2018
Jfaltins
0
May 9, 2018
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AaronA58Keep an eye on the sennheiser he 6xx when it drops again.
May 9, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
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JfaltinsThanks! That is a DAC set up as I have a pair of their headphones which are fantastic.
May 9, 2018
Stilgar
48
May 9, 2018
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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.
May 9, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
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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.
May 9, 2018
Stilgar
48
May 9, 2018
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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/
May 9, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 9, 2018
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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?
May 9, 2018
Socratease
191
May 9, 2018
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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.
May 9, 2018
Baner
66
May 9, 2018
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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.
May 9, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 10, 2018
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BanerTHANKS! I appreciate your advice and that sounds like a good plan. Peace, Aaron
May 10, 2018
Baner
66
May 10, 2018
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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.
May 10, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 10, 2018
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BanerThanks again!
May 10, 2018
raansire7
1507
May 13, 2018
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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.
May 13, 2018
AaronA58
1
May 14, 2018
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raansire7THANKS!!!
May 14, 2018
raansire7
1507
May 15, 2018
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AaronA58You got it, buddy! :D
May 15, 2018
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