Battery operated DAC???

[Alan B]

In my primary system I have a Mac mini and a Benchmark DAC1 USB. I plan to purchase a new MacBook Pro when the new models come out (near future, I hope). I would like to get a battery operated USB DAC with a headphone input. Any suggestions of which ones to look at? The headphones I use most often are my Sennheiser HD600's (at home) and the Sennheiser 280 Pros (on the road). I could also put this DAC in the system that plays music on the patio. The patio speakers are purely used for background music, so it does not have to be a Benchmark quality DAC. The Headroom DAC is a little pricey, but that may be the way I have to go.

 

Thanks for any suggestions that you may have

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Alan - The Wavelength Proton is the perfect DAC for your situation. Full 24/96 via USB etc...

 

http://www.usbdacs.com/Products/Products.html

 

[Alan B]

Thanks Chris.. I sent an email asking if they had an expected availability date.

 

[Innertuber]

Chris - do you think you will be testing the Proton? I'm holding off till I know more about that lil puppy.

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I'll get in touch with Gordon and see if we can make it work :-)

 

[Alan B]

I hope you can get a review scheduled soon. Gordon responded that he hoped the Proton would be shipping soon after completion (end of August), so hopefully in September???? What headphones would you be able to use in your review/test?

 

Thanks

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Alan - I have HD600s, RS-1s, and ue11 Pro earphones.

 

[BTandKM]

http://www.headamp.com/portable_amps/index.htm

 

Pico, just what you need.

 

[Alan B]

Thanks BTandKM, I wish they had more information on their products. I really need to know how they handle jitter (if at all) and other matters. Thanks.

 

 

[BTandKM]

Its a one man show, his name is Justin, send him an E-mail, he will explain anything you want to know. Be patient though, he is extremely busy.

 

[wappinghigh]

Steve Nugent at Empirical is working on just a DAC. He's calling it the "Overdrive". It's also going to have volume control which is ideal for headphones. I've got one of his pacecars (which can also be battery driven.

BTW no, I don't resell his stuff...I've just had great experience dealing with Empirical, and that's from the other side of the planet! I highly recommend checking out his gear. AB

 

[BTandKM]

Headamp Pico, 500 ballons and it sounds just as nice as a Benchmark Dac 1.

 

[audioengr]

The first proto of the Overdrive DAC is running now, but not on batteries yet. Based on what I'm hearing, it will be the one to beat, for performance and price. This DAC is a preamp and a USB DAC, but unlike any preamp that has ever been offered. Ultra-simple signal path, ultra-low jitter through the USB interface. Also has S/PDIF and I2S inputs. The outputs drive 1 watt, so it doubles as a headphone amp, either single-ended or balanced.

 

You can follow the progress at my forum:

 

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=58721.0d

 

Expectation is availability before the end of the year and base price around $2K.

 

Steve N.

Empirical Audio