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I will shortly be receiving a pair of Grado 325e headphones that I will use with my MAC desktop. I think I will not need an amp so, I decided to buy just a DAC. Can any member recommend an appropriate DAC(s) in the $350.00 or below range? If there is a DAC/Amp that can be recommended, I would consider it too. Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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The one product I owned was the iCAN, really good sound but I had too many amps at the time. I expect their dacs (including DSD) to sound equally good. As an old fart, I understand your reluctance over DSD, haven't gone there yet and doubt if I will. HTH.
BTW, love my 325i.
"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
I ended up ordering the recently released Schiit Modi 2 Uber DAC and the Magni 2 Uber Amp. The two pieces came in at $300.00 which was under what I was willing spend. The warranty is for 5 years and the reviews were great. Also, there is a 15 day return policy with a 15% restocking fee. When you can't first listen to what you are getting you sure have to depend of reviews-ugh! If I find that the amp does not improve the sound, I'll use it somewhere else in the house of I'll give it to one of the grandkids. (Yes, I'm an old fart too.)
I use a Schiit Bifrost, $350 and upgradable. Schiit also makes both less expensive and more expensive DACs. They are excellent.
You can sometimes find B-stock units on Amazon, sold by Schiit themselves. Search for "Schiit B-Stock." I got Schiit Bifrost Uber. It looked new.
Thanks for the recommendations. Ironically, I have narrowed my choices down to the Fostex HP-3A, the Fostex HP-4A, and the Schiit line of DACs. Can't make up my mind about the need for DSD so I can't decide on what DAC I want. As a senior citizen I'm not sure I will hear any improved sound quality of DSD so I'm not sure I need it. As far as an amp, I find my MAC desktop provides more than ample volume for my Grado 325e. From what I read, an outboard DAC will give me sound quality improvement. Wish I had a well equipped sound store near me so I could try these units. Member thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
If you are going to listen through your Mac exclusively, I would go with the Audioquest Firefly 1.2 and use the extra $150 for a set of headphones.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
Edits: 12/12/14
I would ask that question over on head-fi.org
I wish I knew what to recommend. You might find some good recommendations on the Digital forum here at AA, it can't hurt to ask...
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