Beginner Audiophile: So many options, one objective

[WaitingForNehalem]

Objective: Better audio

So I tried out my friends Audio Engine D1 DAC with my Audio Technica AD700 headphones and the difference in quality was immense compared to my Realtek ALC892 onboard audio. I also tested a Yamaha 4064 connected by an optical cable to my PC and there was a night and day difference with my Logitech Z2300 speakers. Basically, I want a solution for both my speakers and my headphones. There are three options I am considering:

1. Build an O2+ODAC and solder the optional line out on the ODAC to be used for speakers (I am an EE student so no problem)~$140
2. Optical out to receiver<$300
3. Get a dedicated sound card that will outperform my onboard audio by a large margin (ASUS Xonar Essence STX ~$175)

Obviously the A/V receiver would be kind of waste since I'm barely using any of its features but it might come in handy later on if I do a HT setup. What would you guys recommend?

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

The Fiio E10 looks really nice in that it is inexpensive and has a volume independent line out that could be used for speakers.

 

[nsafreak]

Hmmm, of those options I would say the best route would be to go with a DAC and then wire it with a pair of outputs. You may also want to consider saving up or purchasing better speakers as well. The Logitech Z2300s are decent speakers but it is possible to do better without spending too terribly much cash. Oh and if cheez comes in here and starts spouting off about what cables you should purchase to go with it all ignore him.

 

[nsafreak]

The Fiio E10 looks really nice in that it is inexpensive and has a volume independent line out that could be used for speakers.

Heh and I was looking for a DAC for you that had that option. And that's really not a bad price on it at all from Amazon for $58.49, heck I'm tempted to purchase one myself to switch from onboard sound & use it with my M-Audio AV-30s & Audio Technica ATH-AD700s.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Well, I'll hold out on upgrading the speakers as I use my headphones the most. Originally I was going to wire two outputs with a switch on the O2 amp, however, since the Z2300s are powered speakers wouldn't they not need an amp and should be connected to the line out on the DAC?

 

[nsafreak]

That's correct, they'd just connect to the line out on the DAC and you'd be using the amplified section for your headphones.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Apparently the Fiio E10 cuts the first ~.7 seconds of a song out. That is deal breaker for me.

 

[nsafreak]

Apparently the Fiio E10 cuts the first ~.7 seconds of a song out. That is deal breaker for me.

Ouch, that'd be a deal breaker for me as well. Wonder why it does that as that's the first I've heard of a DAC cutting out audio, I'm guessing it has something to do with synchronization and the unit.. Another option to look at might be the SAD-25 from eCrater (http://www.************/p/15547375/sad-25-smsl-digital-amplifier-usb#). I haven't heard of the brand name but it sports a pretty capable Burr Brown chipset and a nice set of opamps from Texas Instruments and looks like it's well put together.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I feel like if I'm going to spend close to $100 on an OK DAC/amp, I might as well build the O2+ODAC which doesn't cost much more and is regarded as one the best under $500.

 

[nsafreak]

I feel like if I'm going to spend close to $100 on an OK DAC/amp, I might as well build the O2+ODAC which doesn't cost much more and is regarded as one the best under $500.

Probably would be worth it. Unfortunately I'm none too handy with a soldering iron myself so I really wouldn't be too up for doing a DIY on an amp. Perhaps I should start my own thread on what DAC to look at that's not DIY for up to $150.

 

[uhohs]

Heh and I was looking for a DAC for you that had that option. And that's really not a bad price on it at all from Amazon for $58.49, heck I'm tempted to purchase one myself to switch from onboard sound & use it with my M-Audio AV-30s & Audio Technica ATH-AD700s.

http://www.adorama.com/FIE10.html
$44.99

and i believe the latest versions have the "cutting out" problem fixed.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

http://www.adorama.com/FIE10.html
$44.99

and i believe the latest versions have the "cutting out" problem fixed.

Yeah, the delay is now .1s instead of .7s.

Sorry, need to explain again.

1, The old E10 will cut off the beginning of each track, the delay time is about 0.7S ( noted it is not 0.7ms), and in the new batch , we succeed in control the delay time to about 0.1S, So, the delay time still there, but it is unnoticeable.

2, We need to reset the WM8740 each time when the digital music stream stop and appear again, because it may cause phase distortion if we don't do that. the TE7022 has a little bugs to pair with WM8740.

So, Don't worry about the delay time again, you can't find it.


http://www.head-fi.org/t/575084/impression-fiio-e10/960#post_8621349

 

[Howard]

0.1 s delay on Master of Puppets would be quite annoying IMO.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

0.1 s delay on Master of Puppets would be quite annoying IMO.

It just cuts off the first .1s of the song, after that playback is normal.