Crack Amp/ Digital Audio Converters

BillK · 2403

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Offline BillK

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on: December 19, 2013, 02:07:19 AM
Good Morning All,

I finished my Crack kit with out too many mistakes. I really like the sound. It goes well with the Sennheiser 600. I'm using lossless music files.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a suitable DAC. A couple years ago I bought the Dragon Fly DAC. It was an absolute game changer. Trouble is that it's pretty beat up. Before I replace it with a new one, I thought I'd ask the forum. I like the Dragonfly in that I plug it into my computer.

I've seen Headphone Amps/ DAC combinations but since 'm still getting to know the Crack, I'm looking for a solution similar to what I have now.

Thank you all for your time.

Bill Kalivas
Broken Arrow OK


Offline ffivaz

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Reply #1 on: December 19, 2013, 04:10:45 AM
There have been some topics on DACs in the past. Here http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,5077.15.html and there http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,5212.0.html for instance. Personally I use a Halide DAC HD, I really love it, either with my crack or stereomour.

And I'm of course waiting for the Bottlehead DAC.

Best,
Fabien

Fabien Fivaz

Thorens TD 160, Denon DL-110, Hagerman Piccolo 2, Reduction (w/ Integration), 2A3 Stereomour, Fostex FE126En in Bk12m enclosures
Halide DAC HD, Crack (w/ Speedball), Sennheiser HD 650

Offline BillK

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Reply #2 on: December 21, 2013, 02:23:06 AM
Thanks Fabian
 
I may take Halide up on their  offer to test drive the Design DAC. How do you like the Speedball upgrade?


Offline ffivaz

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Reply #3 on: December 21, 2013, 03:17:10 AM
Really! I enjoyed the stock crack for about 6 months before upgrading. With the speedball, you just get like more of the same very good sound :)

Fabien Fivaz

Thorens TD 160, Denon DL-110, Hagerman Piccolo 2, Reduction (w/ Integration), 2A3 Stereomour, Fostex FE126En in Bk12m enclosures
Halide DAC HD, Crack (w/ Speedball), Sennheiser HD 650

Offline BillK

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Reply #4 on: December 22, 2013, 04:03:28 AM
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll enjoy the stock Crack for a bit longer. Is Bottlehead really making a DAC? Or is it wishful thinking?


Offline ffivaz

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Reply #5 on: December 22, 2013, 04:13:16 AM
There is a (long) thread about it : http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4086.0.html

I think Doc said that they'll begin to take orders mid January or sometime at the beginning of 2014.

Fabien Fivaz

Thorens TD 160, Denon DL-110, Hagerman Piccolo 2, Reduction (w/ Integration), 2A3 Stereomour, Fostex FE126En in Bk12m enclosures
Halide DAC HD, Crack (w/ Speedball), Sennheiser HD 650

Offline Grainger49

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Reply #6 on: December 22, 2013, 04:32:03 AM
Bill,

Bottlehead has been working on the DAC for quite a while.  In the true Bottlehead tradition they want it to be something extraordinary before it is released.  Trust me, it will come and be worth the wait and price.  I just hope that I am working and can buy it when it is released.


Offline Jim R.

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Reply #7 on: December 22, 2013, 02:17:13 PM
Bill,

i Had the Halide for a long time and really enjoyed it, but to tide you over until the BH dac is out, the new Firefly v 1.2 would probbably be a good choice as it is improved over the older version and costs $149. There are a zillion other dacs but from what has been released about the new BH dac, that one is going tobe well worth the wait.

HTH,

Jim

Jim Rebman -- recovering audiophile

Equitech balanced power; uRendu, USB processor -> Musette DAC -> 5670 tube buffer -> Finale Audio F138 FFX -> Cain and Cain Abbys near-field).

s.e.x. 2.1 under construction.  Want list: Stereomour II

All ICs homemade (speaker and power next)

Offline Yoder

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Reply #8 on: December 23, 2013, 07:16:42 AM
The E-Mu 0404 is a nice ADC/DAC, and can be had for about $100 to $200. The important thing is if you do get it is to go to the Creative site and download the latest drivers. There are a lot of upgrade sites for the 0404. Here is an example: http://www.audiodesignguide.com/HiResolution/EMU0404/index.html and, obviously, you can do a search and find many more.

Begin here to see where some 0404's are available: http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=e-mu+0404+buy&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

I got one a few years ago an am still using it. I have upgraded the caps, op amps, etc. It is a good way to delve into the wonderful world of DIY, and in the end you end up with a good DAC with a minimal investment.


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