o2+odac rev b, shiit stack or the element

[blutch]

Hi,

 

First off I'm looking for a new dac amp combo because my previous one broke.

 

So I'm not sure which one out of the title I should get, the tech specs are confusing and some of the reviews on headfi scream snake oil, like the element produces better bass than the shiit stack which im not sure I believe.

 

Also whats up with the REV B version of the ODAC, would the difference be audible to the normal ODAC?

 

So yes, looking for some advice.

[sobe]

I'm fond of the Schiit Modi/Vali stack myself, really going to come down to which you want to buy, or you could go DIY and look at the Bottlehead Crack.

 

Do you have specific concerns?

 

As far as revisions on the O2+ODAC having audible differences, that I'm not sure of.

[blutch]

I'm fond of the Schiit Modi/Vali stack myself, really going to come down to which you want to buy, or you could go DIY and look at the Bottlehead Crack.

 

Do you have specific concerns?

 

As far as revisions on the O2+ODAC having audible differences, that I'm not sure of.

Hmm, not looking at tube amps. I like as reference as possible.

[Jacona]

If you must get both an amplifier and a DAC, then the Schiit Stack has the best price to performance.

Many people have stated that the ODAC+O2 is comparable to the Schiit Stack and vice versa, so there's no real reason to get the ODAC+O2 (more expensive) unless you really want the all-in-one design. 

The same can be said about the Element. 

 

If you're just using headphone, then the normal stack should be fine, if you want to expand to speakers and use other audio sources later on then the Uber version. 

[blutch]

If you must get both an amplifier and a DAC, then the Schiit Stack has the price to performance.

Many people have stated that the ODAC+O2 is comparable to the Schiit Stack and vice versa, so there's no real reason to get the ODAC+O2 (more expensive) unless you really want the all-in-one design. 

The same can be said about the Element. 

 

If you're just using headphone, then the normal stack should be fine, if you want to expand to speakers and use other audio sources later on then the Uber version. 

i should add that im from EU and the o2 and odac is cheaper for me, because i need the rca version for my monitors

[Jacona]

i should add that im from EU and the o2 and odac is cheaper for me, because i need the rca version for my monitors

Then get whatever is cheapest, you can't really go wrong with either of them.

 

Also the difference between the regular ODAC and the Rev. B can be found here.

http://blog.jdslabs.com/?p=1003

Small improvement across the board, but if it's more expensive I don't think it's worth it.

[Guest]

i should add that im from EU and the o2 and odac is cheaper for me, because i need the rca version for my monitors

 

Are you sure it's cheaper? What if you buy from Electromod in the UK?

 

There's a couple perspectives online. The snake-oil ding-dong perspective is that the Schiit stack sounds best (see http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/comparison-of-mid-fi-dac-amp-combination-units-grace-schiit-ifi-lh-jds-etc.401/).

 

The objective perspective is that all of these stupid devices sound identical if they measure transparent.

 

Either way, get whichever is cheapest and has the features you need.

[blutch]

Then get whatever is cheapest, you can't really go wrong with either of them.

 

Also the difference between the regular ODAC and the Rev. B can be found here.

http://blog.jdslabs.com/?p=1003

Small improvement across the board, but if it's more expensive I don't think it's worth it.

so your saying rev b doesnt have audible differences?

[blutch]

Are you sure it's cheaper? What if you buy from Electromod in the UK?

 

There's a couple perspectives online. The snake-oil ding-dong perspective is that the Schiit stack sounds best (see http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/comparison-of-mid-fi-dac-amp-combination-units-grace-schiit-ifi-lh-jds-etc.401/).

 

The objective perspective is that all of these stupid devices sound identical if they measure transparent.

 

Either way, get whichever is cheapest and has the features you need.

magni 2 125

modi 2 125

sys 75

________

325 (im pretty sure id have to get the ubers in order to use the sys  (for my speakers))

 

o2+odac 275

[Jacona]

so your saying rev b doesnt have audible differences?

To us humans, most likely no difference. 

 

magni 2 125

modi 2 125

sys 75

________

325 (im pretty sure id have to get the ubers in order to use the sys  (for my speakers))

 

o2+odac 275

How much would it be for Magni 2 Uber and regular Modi?

You can use the Magni 2 Uber as a preamp. 

[blutch]

To us humans, most likely no difference. 

 

How much would it be for Magni 2 Uber and regular Modi?

You can use the Magni 2 Uber as a preamp. 

they dont sell the regulars here anymore but the ubers are 172

[Jacona]

they dont sell the regulars here anymore but the ubers are 172

Again, just get what ever is cheapest and fulfill your needs. 

[blutch]

Again, just get what ever is cheapest and fulfill your needs. 

ok thanks friend, im probably going to get the odac and o2 with RCA for 275 eu. But i might get the element, its 300 here for the non rca version. It has a line in instead of line out, do you know if you could add a pre amp to the line in or does it not work like that?

[Majestic]

which pair of cans are you powering?

[Jacona]

ok thanks friend, im probably going to get the odac and o2 with RCA for 275 eu. But i might get the element, its 300 here for the non rca version. It has a line in instead of line out, do you know if you could add a pre amp to the line in or does it not work like that?

The Element would only be able to accept a source from the line-in (like from your computer or phone), I don't know why you would want to pre-amp the line in because that can cause problems. 

You'll need to get something with RCA-OUT and/or Line-OUT. 

[blutch]

The Element would only be able to accept a source from the line-in (like from your computer or phone), I don't know why you would want to pre-amp the line in because that can cause problems. 

You'll need to get something with RCA-OUT and/or Line-OUT. 

skipping the element and getting the odac combo than thanx

[blutch]

which pair of cans are you powering?

ive got focal spirit pros and vmoda m100's and some iems at this time, but planning to get the hifiman 400s' in the near future, so i dont want to buy something now that ill have to upgrade later

[Guest]

ive got focal spirit pros and vmoda m100's and some iems at this time, but planning to get the hifiman 400s' in the near future, so i dont want to buy something now that ill have to upgrade later

 

Out of curiosity, why are you buying a DAC?

[blutch]

Out of curiosity, why are you buying a DAC?

I had an smsl m2 but it broke. Currently I'm on my motherboard but it won't drive loud enough and my speakers sound crappy. I also want the convenience of a volume knob.

[spwath]

I had an smsl m2 but it broke. Currently I'm on my motherboard but it won't drive loud enough and my speakers sound crappy. I also want the convenience of a volume knob.

So you dont need a dac. You need an amp.

[blutch]

So you dont need a dac. You need an amp.

Well, I don't really like the sound of this motherboard. Since my speakers enhance their signature it's a bit grainy.

And might as well get everything I need all at once.

[sobe]

Well, I don't really like the sound of this motherboard. Since my speakers enhance their signature it's a bit grainy.

And might as well get everything I need all at once.

 

What speakers? Chances are, your speakers may very well bypass the motherboard... 

[blutch]

What speakers? Chances are, your speakers may very well bypass the motherboard...

They don't. They are teacs powered by smsl amp