Advice on decent soundcard / dac+amp combo?

powelly

powelly

powelly

Soldato
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3 Aug 2010
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Been out of the audio game for a while and now just starting to get back into it, what I would like to know is what is an ideal setup to go with for 150-300 quid. preferably the lower end of that.

I used to have a schiit stack which I loved but the stock on schiit stuff at the moment is terrible.
I'm going to be starting with some Beyerdynamic DT770s so I don't know if it'd be best to start with a good soundcard like an AE-5 and then upgrade as I go starting with an amp then a dac or just get a decent amp+dac combo from the get go.

I'd like something that offers expandability if possible as well as of course the spec for something better down the line.

Any advice is appreciated.
 
powelly said:
Been out of the audio game for a while and now just starting to get back into it, what I would like to know is what is an ideal setup to go with for 150-300 quid. preferably the lower end of that.

I used to have a schiit stack which I loved but the stock on schiit stuff at the moment is terrible.
I'm going to be starting with some Beyerdynamic DT770s so I don't know if it'd be best to start with a good soundcard like an AE-5 and then upgrade as I go starting with an amp then a dac or just get a decent amp+dac combo from the get go.

I'd like something that offers expandability if possible as well as of course the spec for something better down the line.

Any advice is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Right now (and it's all in stock today) you can get an Atom Amp + D10S DAC for <£200.

I have no idea how it sounds (yet) but this is one of the top recommended combos on places like ASR.

I was going to get myself a Schiit Fulla 3 but, like you say, you just can't find them in stock.
 
FoxEye said:
Right now (and it's all in stock today) you can get an Atom Amp + D10S DAC for <£200.

I have no idea how it sounds (yet) but this is one of the top recommended combos on places like ASR.

I was going to get myself a Schiit Fulla 3 but, like you say, you just can't find them in stock.
Click to expand...

I've just looked at the US schiit site actually and I managed to get Schiit heresy and modi3+ (both in black) for £197 after 1-3 day international shipping the shipping was $60! but after conversion its about what you'd pay here anyway.
Now is just the matter of import fees...

I read some reviews on the atom and d10s but i really just prefer the look of schiit stuff to be honest.
 
powelly said:
I've just looked at the US schiit site actually and I managed to get Schiit heresy and modi3+ (both in black) for £197 after 1-3 day international shipping the shipping was $60! but after conversion its about what you'd pay here anyway.
Now is just the matter of import fees...

I read some reviews on the atom and d10s but i really just prefer the look of schiit stuff to be honest.
Click to expand...
There might not be import fees but you will likely be asked to pay 20% VAT when it goes through customs. For purchases <£135 the seller has to add the VAT at the checkout but >£135 (shipping cost does not count) you pay the VAT on import.
 
FoxEye said:
There might not be import fees but you will likely be asked to pay 20% VAT when it goes through customs. For purchases <£135 the seller has to add the VAT at the checkout but >£135 (shipping cost does not count) you pay the VAT on import.
Click to expand...
I think I can live with that due to the availability situation here in the uk but I'll have to see I guess, it was $200 before shipping so I might be safe in that regard.
 
There's never been duty applied on Audio Amplifiers and most Hi-Fi stuff, but VAT definitely if pinged.. That used to be about 1 in 8 times I imported stuff..
 
Ive been looking for a similar priced dac/amp for my system. Have seen a lot of good reviews of the iFi Audio Zen Dac. Widely available for £129 and capable of driving higher impedance headphones.
 
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