I'm currently in the planning stage of how best to upgrade the headphone portion of my home a/v system. It's a combination 5.1 surround for ht and 2-channel computer audio music system. For music I use a laptop running JRiver version 21 along with an Oppo 105 and Synology 2TB NAS all communicating with each other via wi-fi. For headphone listening, I currently just use an older Audioquest Dragonfly usb DAC outputted to an older pair of V-Moda M-100 headphones. As you can no doubt understand, I want to significantly update/upgrade this portion of my system.
I've been doing a lot of internet research over the past couple weeks and decided the headphone section of my system would benefit most by 3 upgrades that I will be purchasing in the next few days:
1. A new usb DAC capable of converting my stored music on 24/96 flac files, but preferably up to 24/192 or higher just for future proofing. As I currently understand DSD, I don't think I'd be needing that but I'm not adverse to having a DAC with that capability as long as the cost increase is reasonable.
2. A new pair of high quality headphones.
3. A headphone amp.
So, I'm looking for input, advice and specific suggestions about all 3 of these interrelated components from members with experience in computer audio. Lastly, I'll just a give a few requirements, info and preferences on these 3 components to facilitate more informed and useful comments:
1. USB DAC- My laptop is on a swiveling stand at my listening position with a fairly large end table to my right. I think a good solution for me would be running a usb cable from my laptop to the new dac. The Dac would then be placed either on or below my end table with its l+r rca outputs providing the inputs for the headphone amp. I'd prefer an 'in-line' type of usb DAC such as the Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC or the JDS Labs Standalone ODAC RevB ($149). Budget is $200 for a DAC.
2. Quality Headphones- I prefer headphones that are accurate with solid frequency response and dynamics from top to bottom. I like impactful and extended bass response but only when the source material calls for it. I'd love to be able to afford Stax, was considering the Monolith and Audeze planars but I'm not a fan of exagerrated bass like the Beats. Unfortunately, due to spousal considerations I'm limiting my choices to over-ear closed back models to reduce sound leakage. These are for home use only so portability is not needed. I currently am considering the Sony MHR-1A and MHR-7Z and Oppo PM-3 but I'm still open to suggestions. Budget is $500 for headphones.
3.Headphone amp- I was originally considering the Aune X1s combination DAC and amp but decided the Aune X7s pure class A amp with a standalone usb DAC would produce better sound quality. I made that decision after watching this review on youtube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLpI5Ui7TsY Budget is $300 for a headphone amp. Total budget is $1,000.
Thanks in advance,
Tim
