Dac direct to custom in-ear monitors?

kwl · « **on:** 18 Jan 2012, 08:52 pm »

I'm downsizing and new to headphones/earphones. I want to create a high quality compact/portable system that approximates my current home system (SB Touch - 2009 TADAC - Moscode 401HR - Escalante Fremonts). My idea is laptop (JRiver/Fidelizer) - JKDAC32 (http://sites.google.com/site/hifacemods/home/jkdac32) - volume control - Ultimate Ears Reference Monitors (UERM). The DAC puts out 2V RMS; do I still need an amp to drive the UERMs? If not, what are you using as a volume control? I would prefer to make at least coarse volume adjustments in the analog domain post-dac (to avoid losing bits). Thanks! Ken

saisunil · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Aug 2012, 09:21 pm »

You do need a separate amp cause the amp section in an iphone probably costs less than $1
You are looking for quality amp that can drive "high" sensitive IEMs without noise and with appropriate amplification ...

There are plenty of good choices for a portable amp for IEMs

Give Ray a call ...
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/

ALO has come interesting offerings as well ...
http://aloaudio.com/alo-audio-amplifiers/rx-mk3-b/

These are the top two that I would turn two with UERMs

PS: Can you pass me that coupon please

kwl · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Aug 2012, 04:44 pm »

I have been using an HRT Headstreamer for semi-portable (laptop) use. Others suggest that it is similar to the new Dragonfly. The Headstreamer does a decent job on its own, but due to the sensitivity of the UERMs, volume range is limited to the first 5-6 ticks (of 100) on the scale. Given its low price, the Headstreamer does a great job. I'm still looking into a home system; a MF M1-HPA with an Arcam rDac sounded very nice.

I purchased the UERMs through a Logitech Christmas promotion the UE honored (Logitech owns UE). UE gives big discounts at shows.

santacore · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Aug 2012, 06:27 pm »

I would highly recommend a HiFiMan HM-801. It's a really great sounding amp and DAC in 1 portable unit. Beyond the great sound, it also plays 24 bit files which is a huge bonus. It's the first portable that satisfied me enough that I didn't miss my main rig.

saisunil · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Aug 2012, 08:26 pm »

Quote from: santacore on 7 Aug 2012, 06:27 pm

I would highly recommend a HiFiMan HM-801. It's a really great sounding amp and DAC in 1 portable unit. Beyond the great sound, it also plays 24 bit files which is a huge bonus. It's the first portable that satisfied me enough that I didn't miss my main rig.

I have one on sale ... I have two of them

kwl · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Aug 2012, 04:16 pm »

Thanks, Guys! I'll look into the HiFiMan. The problem (for me) with most DAPs is the limited storage. I have ~100 GB in flac. I thought about modding an Ipod Classic with a large hard drive and get something like the Fostex HP-P1, but in the end, I don't do that much listening on the go. At the moment, I leaning towards a JKDAC32 with the MF M1-HPA for a home rig.