USB Headphone Amp/DAC recommendations?

[Paulq]

I am after a USB amp/DAC to use with my iMac and wondered if there were any decent ones that you guys would recommend?

I tried the Audioengine D1 but for some reason it sounded worse! Not sure if I had a duff one or if I wasn't doing something....?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

I am after a USB amp/DAC to use with my iMac and wondered if there were any decent ones that you guys would recommend?

I tried the Audioengine D1 but for some reason it sounded worse! Not sure if I had a duff one or if I wasn't doing something....?

Thanks in advance.

i'm after the Ifi Audio Nano iDSD USB DAC myself for my new Audio Technica M50X.

Already demo it and find it very envolving. You'll find lots of reviews online as this DAC and headphone amp is giving lots to talk about.

My second bet goes to the Oppo HA2, a bit more expensive +£100 that the Ifi, and bouth can be used OTG.

 

[dalethorn]

I am after a USB amp/DAC to use with my iMac and wondered if there were any decent ones that you guys would recommend?

I tried the Audioengine D1 but for some reason it sounded worse! Not sure if I had a duff one or if I wasn't doing something....?

Thanks in advance.

i'm after the Ifi Audio Nano iDSD USB DAC myself for my new Audio Technica M50X.

Already demo it and find it very envolving. You'll find lots of reviews online as this DAC and headphone amp is giving lots to talk about.

My second bet goes to the Oppo HA2, a bit more expensive +£100 that the Ifi, and bouth can be used OTG.

The HA-2 won't improve things. The DAC may be good enough, but the amp isn't. The AQ DragonFly v1.2 should outperform the D1, but if you're not intending to drive the DAC with a phone (i.e. computer use only), then a good desktop DAC/amp will outperform the DragonFly. Or you could add a good amp to the DragonFly DAC.

 

[Paulq]

A desktop amp/DAC is what I am after really. Any recommendations?

 

[dalethorn]

A desktop amp/DAC is what I am after really. Any recommendations?

I don't know if you can access Massdrop, but the Grace DAC/amp they special ordered is my next amp.

 

[rich51080]

Musical Fidelity V90 would do the trick - great build and most importantly fab sound.

 

[Paulq]

Musical Fidelity V90 would do the trick - great build and most importantly fab sound.

I looked at that one Rich and it did seem decent for the money - are they ok? Reviews indicate it's a little on the bright side which is not really what I am after.

 

[rich51080]

Paul

I would not class the sound as overly bright. I find it complements my vast array of headphones brilliantly.

I use mine with my pc and it is awesome.

 

[Paulq]

I am actually looking at buying 2 as I have boh an iMac and a MacBook Pro. The two I had in mind are the Meridian Explorer 2 for the MBP and the Fostex HP-A4 for the iMac. However the Explorer looks to be really decent so I am wondering whether that would be the best option to use across 2 devices.

Also, I am planning to upgrade the MBP next year and hear that the new DACs in those are pretty decent so the question is - do I really need one at all?