Pre/Dac/Headphone Amp all-in-one required

[foxwelljsly]

<£500. Small size preferred. To be used with Leak Stereo 20.

Preferably with at least 2 optical inputs and two line level inputs. Any suggestions?

I've seen a couple of the Chinese HLLY ones, wondered what else was out there.

thanks

 

[muzzer]

Matrix Mini should do you, I think Muz640 had one for a while oh and there is the Beresford Caiman.

 

[justiceklopper]

only one optical input on my caiman.

 

[muzzer]

I think units with two will be a bit thin on the ground.

 

[misterc6]

My Caiman has one optical, 2 RCA and one usb, excellent headphone amplifier and both fixed and variable outputs.

 

[foxwelljsly]

I think units with two will be a bit thin on the ground.

Think you're right. The Mini has no pre out, either, so will try one of their other models.

 

[hughjampton]

My Caiman has one optical, 2 RCA and one usb, excellent headphone amplifier and both fixed and variable outputs.

How are you finding it Malcolm?

Do you have it with a transport or computer or both? Like the OP I'm thinking of getting a DAC, and I wonder how good they really sound, compared to your TT for instance?

 

[Robert M]

Perfect!




http://www.techradar.com/reviews/au...fi-accessories/nuforce-icon-hdp-684700/review

 

[foxwelljsly]

Perfect!




http://www.techradar.com/reviews/au...fi-accessories/nuforce-icon-hdp-684700/review

cool, looks like exactly what I'm looking for!

 

[justiceklopper]

"no fixed line level output is available"

thats going to be annoying. odd omission

 

[frizzup]

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/products/caimanplus.html

The Beresford Caiman+ is the twin TOSLINK input version of the ground breaking Beresford Caiman, pre, dac, headphone amp.

Frizzup

 

[JezmondTutu]

Caiman is very good for the money - I'd go for the Caiman+ on the assumption that it's sonically better than the standard one.

 

[ultrawomble]

"no fixed line level output is available"

thats going to be annoying. odd omission

Why so? If you don't alter the volume control you have a fixed line out e.g. turn it up to max volume and leave it set there.

Edit: Alternatively, why not consider the NuForce Icon HD - http://www.nuforce.com/hp/docs/Icon HD Manual.pdf

The Icon HD is designed for users who want the Icon HDP's world-class USB DAC and headphone-amp performance without having a need for the Icon HDP's flexibilities.

 

[Bagga]

Caiman is very good for the money - I'd go for the Caiman+ on the assumption that it's sonically better than the standard one.

I like my Caiman + and I believe that there are a range of aftermarket upgrades available too if you so wish.

However, the orginal question was seeking digit optical inputs AND two line inputs. The Caiman has 4 digital inputs only (2 x digital optical TOSLINK and 2 x digital inputs for Coaxial connections/single RCAs). I though "line level input" would mean analogue inputs and if so, then the Caiman+ would not meet this requirement?

 

[Jack Barriere]

A little over your budget at $1.800 USD but a very very great sounding DAC/PRE/Headamp. On my wish list for my main and computer system.

http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac1-hdr

 

[hughjampton]

Caiman is very good for the money - I'd go for the Caiman+ on the assumption that it's sonically better than the standard one.

It's actually cheaper than the standard one. The difference seems to be that it doesn't have a USB input.

 

[shoniss]

Here's one that very nearly bought but for the want of an additional digital input, http://www.bursonaudio.com/HA_160D.html there is a review on 6moons i think.

 

[istari_knight]

Currently using a the HLLY DMK-IV with fantastic results.

 

[hughjampton]

Anyone tried the Little Dot DAC? One model has a headphone out as well and they make good headphone amps.