Spaaceman

Hi all, I'm looking into getting either a Schiit Modi or a JDS Labs ODAC and would love to get some first hand impressions from those who have heard both (or the ODAC in particular since there doesn't seem to be much talk about that one here). The ODAC is marketed to be extremely neutral and "objective" hence the name and this is exactly what I'm looking for in a DAC (like everyone else I assume). I wonder though, does it do a better job at this than the Modi which is $50 less? Thanks!

It's no secret, I do sort of have a "do I really need a DAC?" attitude mainly due to ignorance but I don't mind (and look forward to) being proven wrong and blown away. This is cool! I will look into it. I like how it has two sets of outputs, one of which being balanced.

Hi all, I have been reluctant to get an external DAC because I already have one that "works" in the form of my computer's on-board sound card (and also because I have finite money). To me, what I have sounds pretty good but I have never heard an audio enthusiast grade DAC or any external DAC for that matter. After a recent addition to my system, I came to the realization that I have invested quite a bit by my standards into obtaining quality sound and am wondering if my sound card is doing my system and music (in)justice. I guess my main question is what should I expect to gain with a decent DAC? I remember my world being rocked when I listened to better than junk IEMs for the first time, specifically, how clear and detailed everything was as well as the much improved frequency range. I haven't given external DACs a serious thought because of this -- to me my IEMs and speakers already sound good. This being said, if a good DAC has the same degree of improvement over a built-in sound card then I would welcome one with open arms. The last thing I want to do though is spend money on something with only marginal gains! I'm initially looking into the Schiit Modi and Audioquest Dragonfly based on their popularity and prices. I like the Modi specifically for its price (and looks ) but I have two active monitors and a sub so it would be a major pain to change the volume on each component since from what I've read the Modi does not have a volume control feature. And I don't even know how I would change the volume on my IEMs unless I get an amp too... For this reason I like the Dragonfly and how it conveniently allows volume control in the analog domain. But it's $150 more! What are CA's thoughts on these two DACs? Will they provide a substantial increase in sound quality? Are they worth considering or should I save for something better (or God forbid stick with a computer sound card)? Thanks!

Have you had a chance to compare the Modi against the DragonFly?

Good call. I was under the impression that line out was a low pass filter for daisy chaining other subs but it's actually a HPF.

Monitors are Yamaha HS80Ms and I'm looking into a Rythmik F12. Source is direct from my notebook computer. Saving for an external DAC but that won't happen for a while (unless I find out it's the only way). Even if the Y-splitter has minimal negative effects, I'd rather not go down that path unless it is completely unnoticeable. Could you explain what you mean exactly by this?

Hi all, What is the general consensus on Y-splitters? Do they massively degrade signal quality and if so how? I need to send the same signal to my active monitors and a subwoofer but I only have a single output. DACs with dual active outputs are expensive so I would prefer not to go that route unless I have to. What are my options? Thanks

Is it detrimental to plug some monitors (two HS80Ms) into a single surge protector and use that to switch the monitors on/off daily? I am not a lazy person so I don't mind turning off the monitors directly but if it is of absolutely no harm to do it the surge protector way then a little convenience would be nice .

This might be a joke thread but I'm genuinely interested in answers lol This is why I feel I need one! 8)

Firstly, thanks for all of the helpful replies! I feel I am slowly getting to a place where I can make a good decision. I'm reading about the DragonFly and am happy to find that it's generally being held in a pretty high regard considering its cost. I have to admit I was a little skeptical of its value at first since it comes from a company that makes $1200 consumer interconnect cables (gasp). I never liked the idea of dongles because they create so much physical stress on a port if something bumps against it -- could I use some generic USB extension cord with this or will I need some special audiophile grade one lol (digital information is digital information right??). Paul, I'll definitely look into local dealers. It's a shame cheaper interfaces aren't built very well. That's the opposite of what I expected since they at least look pretty rugged, which I like a lot (form follows function kinda guy ). My DAC will be pretty immobile though so if there are cheap interfaces with good DACs, I don't want to completely discount them just yet. According to Yamaha, the monitors accept balanced or unbalanced inputs so I shouldn't have those problems right? Or is Yamaha saying, "you can use unbalanced inputs if you want, but bad thing will happen" lol! P.S. That Jensen article is a real fun read (sarcasm!). It's really informative though, thanks!

What would you recommend on a slightly higher DAC budget? Again, I haven't purchased anything yet so I'm able to redistribute my total funds if it'll improve overall sound quality (or save). After looking at some more pro-style DACs (or interfaces rather -- HA! I'm learning! lol), I've noticed that there are some pretty cheap options out there! They are packed with features like microphone pre-amps and a whole bunch of I/O connectivity options yet are cheaper than many DACs meant only for playback. I realize there are different grades of quality however it's strange to me that something made for recording artists is cheaper than something made for entertainment. Are the DACs in lower end interfaces usually trash or something?

Why do you suggest something from the pro-audio world? The different I/O options are nice but I'm not sure I need them all (maybe a more basic DAC will be cheaper?). My system will be solely for the purpose of enjoying music (zero production). This being said, is that DAC still something I should still look into -- is it a good-performing DAC in general or something? Thanks!

That DragonFly is a nice looking product; I'll have to read up on it. While I am using a laptop, I don't need the DAC to be portable (and would rather prefer a stationary desktop-based one actually) but if it sounds good then I can't argue there. I have not connected the speakers directly because I don't own them yet =P. I am just doing some planning right now to see how my budget should be divided and what not. To be honest, I have been pretty satisfied with my integrated sound card so far. I hear some faint white noise/interference sometimes but as a whole it's pretty clear. My problem with selecting DACs is most reviews and testimonials speak only of the sonic qualities, and in the end that's all that really matters, but having an untrained ear (for now!), it's tough (and overwhelming!) for me to differentiate between DACs or even reason needing one. I do have a technical background though and am more comfortable with the signal processing aspect which is the main driving force of why I feel I need a DAC -- a better one will have a better sampling rate or better interpolation scheme to achieve the intended output and what not. But how that translates to real sound...I don't know...

Hi all, I'm putting together a 2.1 system with two active monitors and a sub with my laptop as the source and have a few questions about connecting all of the components. First, here are some pictures of the connections: monitors and subwoofer. What I'd like to know is if there will be any appreciable improvement in sound quality if I were to connect the monitors directly to a DAC (instead of to the sub which would be connected to a DAC)? If I do this I won't be able to use the sub's built in high pass filter (but the monitors also have a low cut feature...so many variables...what if I use both the sub high pass filter and the monitor low pass filter at the same time??? Ugh!!) -- would this be a real concern? In the scenario that I should connect each component to a DAC (instead of daisy-chaining), should I opt for a DAC with balanced outputs (for the monitors)? The connections shouldn't be more than 10 feet so I'm thinking I won't really need it but the balanced cables that I plan to buy (yay monoprice) aren't a whole lot more if at all. I'm mostly concerned about the balanced output feature driving up the cost of the DAC (does it? I know nothing about DACs). I'd rather get a better performing DAC that doesn't have balanced outputs than a poorer one with such feature. Finally, and probably most importantly, I need some advice on which DACs to consider. My budget is $150 -- at this price point, would I be better off saving and expanding my budget? How much of my total system budget should I generally be allocating towards a DAC? Thanks!