2. pc-audio
  3. 1202755549

Headroom ultra microdac, Benchmark Dac1 or other?

I have been avoiding a 'real' solution to my growing digital music library for too long and need to come up with the right system. Existing two channel system:

Creek Classic 5350 SE
Rotel CDP 1072
Audio Physics Sparks
KAB modified Technics 1200

I have been ripping big chunks of my cd collection into iTunes on a MAC--mostly at the 320 bitrate but some lossless as well--and limping along with an iPod running through my system. I have most of my 'best' CDs so that I can listen to them through the CD player, but want to be able to access my digital music library through my main stereo (as well as other places throughout the house).

So, I'm probably going to get the new Squeezebox Duet (even though they are owned by Logitech) and use my wireless home network to access my digital music library. I could use the USB out on the Airport Express--let me know if there are thoughts on that. I considered a Sonos as well. The price point seems to be a bit more attractive with the Squeezebox and I don't know that I get anything more with the Sonos.

A long way to get to my primary question: Which DAC should I put between the Squeezebox/Sonos and my Creek amp?

I have had people recommend:

-Headroom ultra micro DAC (very highly)
-Benchmark DAC1

Any experiences with those units? Any thoughts on others?
tjnindc

Showing 2 responses by tjnindc

tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
I got the recommendations from two friends who own HeadRoom gear. They seemed to be confirmed in reviews that I read where the reviewers seemed honestly moved by the sound coming out of the HeadRoom units.

The Benchmark gets so much traffic that I needed to consider it.

Anyway, after reading all of the posts and a number of reviews, I ordered the pimped out HeadRoom desktop amp and the external power supply. I thought about the ultra micro, but decided I wanted the outputs on the Desktop version.

Mbrennwa, your response tipped me toward the AKG 701s (they had a special that included a pair) which have been burning in for around 100 hours. I'm expecting my Squeezebox any day and got the cables to run my Rotel through the HeadRoom as well.

I'll let you all know what I think.
tjnindc OP
91 posts
 
As a follow up: I have had the Headroom in my system for over a week now and am nothing short of blown away. I have my Rotel running through it as a Transport, and it has literally opened up my CD collection to new heights.

I got the Squeezebox set up but took it down after around two days. I bit the bullet and have a MacBook to manage my digital music library. I'm going out over the USB to the Headroom and love it. It's not totally ideal from a financial standpoint, but the improvement in quality and usability has more than made up for it.

AND, the Headroom is unreal as a headphone amp. I listen to headphones more than ever before. I highly recommend the unit.
More to discover