Anyone Using Portable DAC/Amp With D2?

jkd_ba · 12-18-2010, 07:57

I'm considering purchasing a portable usb DAC/headphone amp for my recently purchased D2+.

Does anyone have any experience with specific models (< $300) you use with the D2?

With no "line out" available, how are you connecting them?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Joel · 12-20-2010, 11:44

Since the D2+ has no line-out, I think this would be pointless.

motorbit · 12-23-2010, 17:32

on full volume, the d2 will have standard line out volume...
or use rockbox, where you can set +- 0 db.
line out inst that necessary... its relay all about the standardized volume.

jkd_ba · 12-23-2010, 20:16

Thanks Joel!

@ motorbit
Have heard a similar statement regarding the "max volume" workaround.
Rockbox, I haven't heard about. Will do some research.

How does "maxing" the volume help as an acceptable input into an amp?
It's my understanding that a device like the Cowon D2 (MP3, PMP, similar type players) has it's own internal amp feeding the headphone jack. Aren't you taking an amp and feeding another amp? I'm trying to understand how this works.

Happy Holidays to all!

motorbit · 12-26-2010, 18:53

you always need some amplification even to reach standard line out lvls

line out is not a bypass to the amp.

Joel · 12-31-2010, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorbit

...line out is not a bypass to the amp.

This is news to me. Everything I've heard or read on the subject has suggested that a true "Line Out" (such as the iPod models with dock) is in fact bypassing the headphone amplifier and any DSP.

Do you have a reference that suggests otherwise?

jkd_ba · 01-01-2011, 00:53

Appreciate the replies fellas!

Using Grado SR200s out of the D2+.
Listen to mostly contemporary jazz.
Though quite nice sound-wise (separation, clarity), it's obvious I need some amplification.

Don't quite yet feel comfortable forking over extra dollars without feedback from actual D2 users as to their experiences without the benefit of a "line out".

Happy New Years to you both!!!

treal512 · 01-02-2011, 02:40

im contemplating the Arrow 12HE portable amp right now but my travels have brought me to this same question. is it worth it on the D2+ since there is no bypass via LOD?

12-18-2010, 07:57	#1
jkd_ba Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 5	Anyone Using Portable DAC/Amp With D2? I'm considering purchasing a portable usb DAC/headphone amp for my recently purchased D2+. Does anyone have any experience with specific models (< $300) you use with the D2? With no "line out" available, how are you connecting them? Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Last edited by jkd_ba; 12-20-2010 at 02:13.. Reason: Rephrase Question.

12-23-2010, 20:16	#4
jkd_ba Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 5	Thanks Joel! @ motorbit Have heard a similar statement regarding the "max volume" workaround. Rockbox, I haven't heard about. Will do some research. How does "maxing" the volume help as an acceptable input into an amp? It's my understanding that a device like the Cowon D2 (MP3, PMP, similar type players) has it's own internal amp feeding the headphone jack. Aren't you taking an amp and feeding another amp? I'm trying to understand how this works. Happy Holidays to all! Last edited by jkd_ba; 12-24-2010 at 02:22..

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12-20-2010, 11:44	#2
Joel Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 37	Since the D2+ has no line-out, I think this would be pointless.

12-23-2010, 17:32	#3
motorbit Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 86	on full volume, the d2 will have standard line out volume... or use rockbox, where you can set +- 0 db. line out inst that necessary... its relay all about the standardized volume.

12-26-2010, 18:53	#5
motorbit Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 86	you always need some amplification even to reach standard line out lvls line out is not a bypass to the amp.

01-01-2011, 00:53	#7
jkd_ba Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 5	Appreciate the replies fellas! Using Grado SR200s out of the D2+. Listen to mostly contemporary jazz. Though quite nice sound-wise (separation, clarity), it's obvious I need some amplification. Don't quite yet feel comfortable forking over extra dollars without feedback from actual D2 users as to their experiences without the benefit of a "line out". Happy New Years to you both!!!

01-02-2011, 02:40	#8
treal512 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 13	im contemplating the Arrow 12HE portable amp right now but my travels have brought me to this same question. is it worth it on the D2+ since there is no bypass via LOD?