Headroom DAC? Why?

[DavidJ]

Here's a question:

A DAC seems to be regarded as "necessary" for a high-end headphone experience.

But, if my iPod already contains a Wolffson DAC, why do I need another?

Hmm..

 

[DavidJ]

Headroom DAC

Err, keep it layman for me?

Thanks

 

[mtrycrafts]

Here's a question:

A DAC seems to be regarded as "necessary" for a high-end headphone experience.

But, if my iPod already contains a Wolffson DAC, why do I need another?

Hmm..

You don't really need one. But, for status and bragging rights, the hi-enders get anything and everything.

 

[mr-ben]

The primary reason for the headroom stuff (www.headphone.com) isn't the DAC - it's the amplifier. Driving quality headphones takes power, which is bad for battery life, so the amplifier in the iPod isn't nearly as good as it could be. If you're using the included ear-bud thingies, it's not such a big deal. The iPod has no digital output for an external DAC - that's only useful for sources like a laptop.

 

[jcPanny]

iPod upgrade

David,
Make sure you upgrade from the iPod ear buds before you think about a headphone pre-amp.

Also, for home use, an iPod doc or adapter might allow you to use a digital output and have your receiver do the D/A conversion.

 

[DavidJ]

dac

perhaps i should have mentioned, but i've just bought a pair of HD600's to go with my ebay CMOY amp, which gives pretty good sound. if i upgrade, i may go for a ray samuels hornet, and perhaps new leads. but it is pushing my buttons quite well at the moment