Headphone amp query.

[Big Chris]

Do I..

1. Buy a regular headphone amp, and run a pair of interconnects from the second set of analogue outs on the back of my CDP? (already have a spare pair of Kimber Silver Streaks)

2. Buy a combined DAC/Head amp, and use a digital connection from the back of the CDP. (I have a spare Chord Optichord, I'd have to buy a digi co-ax if that was the recommended connection).

The ability to run my laptop through it would be advantageous, but not a deal breaker. Sound from CDP to the cans is the paramount consideration.

As my CDP upsamples, would using any combined DAC/head amp that doesn't upsample cost me sound quality?

Am I wrong in thinking £150 give or take is a suitable sum considering the source and my headphones (Grado SR125s)?

Do combined DAC/Head amps ultimately sacrifice a degree of sound quality for their broader roles?

Your thoughts please.

 

[idc]

I would go for option 2 as you are future proofed.

The combining of headphones and DACs is commonplace now and there is no reason to think, because of the similarity in specifications between an amp without a DAC and one with, that one is sacrificed for the other.They will just be different.

I am not sure about the upsampling issue.

Your budget means you should look into the portable range of headphone amp/DACs as there is no reason again why they cannot be used for home setups. Small is the new black with hifi kit.

 

[Big Chris]

I know i could go nuts with regards cost, but do you think £150 is adequate for my CD & cans Ian?

Should I be looking at spending more?

 

[idc]

Chris, looking at your existing kit and connectivity, if your digital out is toslink you may well be best with the Beresford Caiman as you can hook it up to your PC with the USB and CDP with the toslink. It is about £200. Or there is the Firestone Fubar Mk4 which is just over budget at £165. I have the Fubar 2 and cannot see any reason change it as a DAC.

The portable amps I was referring to have mainly USB.

 

[Big Chris]

The Fubar IV looks suitably dinky, and the outboard power supply and matching rack would make nice additions in future.

 

[John Duncan]

The one sitting on my desk is very nice indeed...

 

[Big Chris]

What cans do you use John?

 

[John Duncan]

Grado 325is at work. Listening notes here.

 

[SpiceWeasel]

I use Grado 80is with my Fubar IV, sounds fantastic. My only slight niggle is the location of the power switch which is at the rear of the Fubar directly under the usb cable (from pc). Not really a problem for me as the Fubar is sat on top of my pc case so the switch is easy to get to, but I might move the switch once the two year guarantee runs out.