[raymondbeautrix]

Hello everyone,

I am trying to trying to decide on what amp/dac solution (running through my computer) would be a good match for a neo-2x I'm about to have built.  For now, I'm hoping to keep it at a budget well below 500$.  So far, I'm looking at the virtue one (maybe with the 30v upgrade?), the x-amp (which has a usb-dac built in), or maybe a reasonably priced NAD integrated amp such as the C352 or C325.

I mostly listen to classical, with a touch of electronic and rock.  I watch movies and game occasionally, but I'm all about tailoring my sound system to the music.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ray

[roscoeiii]

On the DAC side, look at Beresford DACs. They just released the 7520, which has USB input, but their 7510 with optical and coax inputs is still available too. Reviews are very solid, and there is a lot of discussion of mods for the DAC at the Art of Sound forums (designer and seller of the Beresford also posts there a ton). If you don't need USB input, MCM is also selling a rebadged eariler version of the 7510 for as low as $79 with a regularly appearing coupon code (google $79 DAC and you will get to a thread on the DAC which should have the most current code).


Amplifier wise, how much power do you need? There are some pretty amazing Class T amps out there at a range of prices, if they are powerful enough for your needs. Parts express has a rebadged version of the original Sonic T-amp for $40 or so. There are a number of T-amp reviews around the internet. Googling T-Amp shootout will get you to these. Trends and Kingrex both seem to score well in these.

If you need more power, I recommend a rebadged Emotiva BPA-1 that's made by Dayton and sold by Parts Express. I have a BPA-1 and love it. A very versatile amp. Can be bridged or run two channel. Has all the adjustments you'd need to use it as a subwoofer amp, and a volume control.

AudioSource 100 is another versatile amp that you might want to consider. Has multiple inputs, volume control, can power 2 sets of speakers (for multi-room set-ups for example). 2 year transferrable warranty. It is bridgeable as well. I have one of these a year ago that I haven't gotten around to selling yet. PM me if you might be interested.

All these are for sale new, with warranties. The used market is an ocean of possibilities that I don't have time to wade into right now.

[dvenardos]

I have the Virtue Two paired with the channel islands vda-2 and the av123 strata minis. I am really pleased with the combination. The vda-2 is out of your price range, but a virtue one paired with a good dac would be a very nice setup. I had one of the first gen mono x-amps (no built in dac) and was not impressed. The first gen, however, did not meet spec and I have not heard the latest iteration. You might want to consider the new dac coming out from tweak city audio.

Best of luck,
Don

[raymondbeautrix]

Thanks so much for the quick responses guys.

roscoeiii: I only listen to music at moderate to quiet listening levels, and never "crank it up".

I'll look over the suggestions you guys gave me and get back with you.  If anyone else has any advice, that would be great as well.

thanks,
Ray

[Danny Richie]

I haven't heard it but if Lee likes it then it must be pretty good:

http://cryo-parts.com/style_audio.html

It is certainly worth considering.

[dvenardos]

I just saw this, a DAC for sale that was modded by Danny. Maybe he can tell you about it?
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=66439

[raymondbeautrix]

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I'm researching each one of them now.  I might also try casting a bigger net and posting into the "source to the ear" circle as well.  If you like, could could redirect any further posts there.

As a final note, I got an interesting suggestion to look into the y1 gamma-1 DIY DAC, which I could have built for me by "misterx" (a poster who frequents head-fi.org).  Not sure if anyone's familiar with that one.

[Doublej]

(deleted)