Topic: Budget DAC for a Vali? (Read 2909 times)

TheCreeper · « **on:** February 27, 2014, 03:01:44 AM »

So I've been looking at the Vali for a pair of Sennheiser HD600s and am in need of a DAC. I don't have a ton of cash for this, but don't want to get something crappy which will keep the rest of the equipment from shining (I've read that the Vali responds really well to a good DAC). I've heard good things about the Bifrost über and the Emotiva DC-1, but they're a little on the high side. The Modi is definitely the right price, but will it hold the HD600s and Vali back? Is there something else in the sub-Bifrost range you'd recommend (to go with a Vali), or do I just need to bite the bullet?

I'm open to something DIY if that will get me more bang for the buck. Thanks!

Marvey · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2014, 03:06:45 AM »

AMB Gamma2, but that's a serious pain-in-the-ass to put together. And even then a USB to coax converter is recommended for best performance, which would increase costs.

DaveBSC · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2014, 04:12:12 AM »

Pretty much anything well under $500 is going to be a compromise, the question is where. Underwood Hifi is selling the Emerald Physics DACs on Audiogon for $149 and $249. There's also the Cambridge DAC100, Music Hall DAC15.2, iFI DAC, Musical Fidelity V-90 DAC, and Pro-Ject DAC Box, all of which are around $299. All are very easy to try and send back if you're unhappy.

The Alchemist · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2014, 04:28:02 AM »

I know you said you are on a budget, how much money do you have to work with? Do you have a PC? IF you have a PC, the Titanium HD soundcard is an excellent card with an excellent DAC for the price. It offers up to 24 bit/192kHz. It offers High-Fidelity audio performance D/A, A/D converter with SN ratio of 122dB with 0.001% (THD) distortion. It can handle up to 330 ohm headphones.

High quality audiophile grade performance components designed to eliminate noise, while dramatically improve sound field dynamics in high and mid tones.

Headphone out with 115dB, 24bit/96kHz (optical) 24bit/192kHz (direct) support High-Definition (HD) quality sound for original playback.

I own one and honestly there isn't much sound difference to my ears from the Bifrost Uber to the Titanium HD - granted I have only had my Uberfrost for a few months and was told the Uberfrost only sounds better with age, but for the price of the Titanium HD it is hard to beat. They have it at Newegg for $157.99.

Before I got the Uberfrost I just connected the Titanium HD's RCA outs to the Vali, and it sounds incredible for the price. It is difficult to beat the specs on this card for the price IMO.

You can check out full specs here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102033

Hands · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2014, 07:31:03 AM »

Indeed, some sound cards are genuinely quite good and at a low price. It's just not guaranteed your computer will provide an optimal environment for it.

The SB1240 (Creative X-Fi HD USB) external sound card is a damn good deal at under $100. It serves many other functions than just a DAC, though it really only excels with the RCA line-in and out (one ex: headphone output has high impedance, IIRC). Very low noise floor, high dynamic range, low distortion, low jitter, flat response, and I believe it uses an AKM chip. It runs entirely off USB, but even from the crappiest USB ports on my gaming rig, it still delivers objectively good performance. I've been able to use it on Windows as a mostly plug-and-play device as well.

Sure, it's not the best thing ever, but it's a great option if you want to go below $100.

Maxvla · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2014, 07:37:02 AM »

Objective DAC or Modi if you are looking at that price point. Don't bother with soundcards, they have so many noise issues.

Hands · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2014, 08:25:44 AM »

Quote from: Maxvla on February 27, 2014, 07:37:02 AM

Objective DAC or Modi if you are looking at that price point. Don't bother with soundcards, they have so many noise issues.

Noise issues are more dependent on the computer they're in. With the right setup (basically no gaming rigs), they can be pretty damn clean and noise free, low distortion, etc.

gurubhai · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2014, 08:39:48 AM »

If you don't mind the soldering iron, I would recommend a vintage R2R DAC like assemblage DAC 2.0 or an Adcom GDA-600. Can be had for around $200-250 and with a few mods would outclass anything in that price range, limited to 20bit/48k though.

The Alchemist · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2014, 08:54:21 AM »

Quote from: hans030390 on February 27, 2014, 08:25:44 AM

Noise issues are more dependent on the computer they're in. With the right setup (basically no gaming rigs), they can be pretty damn clean and noise free, low distortion, etc.

I agree completely with hans. I have a HUGE PC with a 1500 WATT PSU and the Titanium HD was quiet as a mouse. Yes it is dependent on the computer, but it was very clean and noise free, at least on my system.

Deep Funk · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2014, 09:38:22 AM »

I can recommend the humble Pico DAC. Used ones can be picked up for 100 to 200 Dollars.

Even my computer speakers sounded noticeably better...

Author Topic: Budget DAC for a Vali? (Read 2909 times)

TheCreeper

Budget DAC for a Vali?

Marvey

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

DaveBSC

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

The Alchemist

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

Hands

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

Maxvla

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

Hands

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

gurubhai

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

The Alchemist

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

Deep Funk

Re: Budget DAC for a Vali?

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Author Topic: Budget DAC for a Vali? (Read 2909 times)