Headphone Amp with Good internal Dac?

I am very impressed with the Grado 325is I have just bought

So much so that I think they may be wasted with Dolby headphone that I was going to use them for.

I'd like to see what might be achievable hi-fi wise, therefore can anyone advise on an integrated headphone amp with a good internal DAC able to take a SPDIF connection from a good disc transport

Alternatively I have seen the Musical fidelity X-DAC V3 and X-CAN V3 Combo, or even X-DAC and Graham Slee Solo.

What do you think?

An all in one would be the best solution, but I have yet to see one.

Max budget £800.

[eviljohn2]

Have a look into the Apogee Minidac or Benchmark DAC1.

The studio arena is almost certainly the best option for this kind of equipment.

[alexs2]

The Grace 901 is also worth a look and may be available within your budget used.

You could also take a look at the US based Headroom range,most of which can be factory fitted with DAC boards prior to purchase.

www.headphone.com

[NicolasB]

Benchmark DAC1 definitely.

[DorKnight]

Another option within budget might be the Lavry Black.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will go for an X-canV3 and X-PSU and see how I get on without spending too much for now.

I'll try my current Denon 3930 (puredirect mode) as the source, but I could always add the X-DACV3 later (or buy a good CD/SACD player!!).

Apparently the X-CAN suits the Grado range well?? If not I can always move them on without too great a loss.

[Mr.D]

In an AB test with my XcanV2 which has had new valves , betters caps , a new pot and socket against an Xcan V3.... the modded V2 was significantly nicer with a pair of grados , senny HD600s and BD DT250 (250ohm version).

I've got a quick but daft (noob type question):

My X-Can and X-PSU arrived today - but on reading the X-Can instructions, it only talks about connections from the amp (line level or tape loop).

I wanted to connect the player direct by it's line out - I assume I can do this???

Don't want to cause any damage though.

Sorry for being thick!!!!!!!



EDIT: Yes, I was being thick - player connected directly. Sounds very good too. The X-PSU makes a very big difference compared to the wall plug - good investment. Shows how sensitive the Grados are (low impedance) as I can only use a quarter of the volume range.

I am getting addicted to the sound - I never knew cans could sound so good!!!!! Next step is to buy either the X-ray V8 CD or the X-DACv3.

[Reano]

X-DAC v3 is good I have all even the XLPV3. I don't use the V3 as my main headphone amp thats the grace m902.

Anyway you may want to consider the x10 v3 or whatever the name buffer stage and you can link them all to the XPSU. That with the DAC as well should improve the sound even more. Then there's the tubes you can buy for the headphone amp, etc it just goes on.....

[alexs2]

I have an X-DAC3 here,used with the rather costly offboard PSU which makes a huge difference to the sound,and there are plenty of resources on the net for tube upgrades to the XCans,although a set of decent NOS(new old stock) tubes will again make a very good upgrade to the sound.

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

I think I'll go for the X-DAC.

I have read that the Denon 3930 makes a pretty good transport, so hopefully it will work well.

I am not sure about the X-10 yet as £400 seems a little steep for what I've seen described as minimal improvement.

I think that Musical Fidelity have got it spot on with the small X-series - unfortunately they have been very clever - i.e. a recipe for upgradeitis.

Ah well the main point is I am loving the music.

BTW has anyone used rock-grotto's ugrade service for the X-Can? I would feel safe upgrading the unit myself - I am totally hamfisted.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by jackal

Thanks for all the suggestions!!!

I think I'll go for the X-DAC.

I have read that the Denon 3930 makes a pretty good transport, so hopefully it will work well.

I am not sure about the X-10 yet as £400 seems a little steep for what I've seen described as minimal improvement.

I think that Musical Fidelity have got it spot on with the small X-series - unfortunately they have been very clever - i.e. a recipe for upgradeitis.

Ah well the main point is I am loving the music.

Assuming you do buy the X-DAC,the wallwart as you know will get you started but really isnt a great PSU.
The MF X-PSU3 matches visually and does improve the bass and overall sound markedly but isnt cheap.
Rockgrotto(!) make a range of accessories for X-components,one of which is a PSU called the Little Pinkie at £75.

Personally I wouldnt bother with the X-10 but thats a personal choice as I am sure the input resistance of my headphone amp is high enough not to load the X-DAC's output stage.

There are other mods for the X-DAC which include changing the output coupling caps and op-amps(none of which I've got around to,although others have,but all agree that the PSU is the simplest upgrade).

Yep, I already bought the X-PSU (see above) and agree that it makes a big difference.

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by jackal

Yep, I already bought the X-PSU (see above) and agree that it makes a big difference.

Right...got it.

For the money it is a very decent DAC,but dependent on the upgrades,and I am sure that explains the presence of the X-PSU in the catalogue!

There are quite a few other upgrades,centring round the op-amps and the coupling caps(which are quite cheap as standard),but whilst I can solder up a valve amp,I'm not going to attempt it with the solder tracks in a DAC.

I'm actually very happy with the sound as it is,and whilst very different to the rest of my gear,the overall result with the headphone amp is lovely to listen to.