What is the best DAC under £250?

[craigy]

Hi guys,

I am looking to buy a new DAC for under £250, im using Iphone 6 and a pair of Bower & Wilkins P7 headphones,
would appreciate some help with this,

Thanks,

Craig

 

[asiufy]

I've heard the ADL/Furutech X1. It plugs directly on the iPhone, and will provide a nice boost to your B&Ws.
Even better is the iFI iDSD, both in Nano and Micro versions (I think the Micro might be dearer than the 250 UKP you specified). Also, you will need the Camera Connection Kit adapter.


alexandre

 

[Manos_Bits]

hello.. I beleive there aren't much choices to quality production dacs in this price.. I would recomment ifi nano idsd , (have been auditioned), very nice sound, good hardware & chipware, and DSD/DXD compatible.. with 180 euros.. and can be used indepentently in your system too..

regards..

 

[craigy]

I've heard the ADL/Furutech X1. It plugs directly on the iPhone, and will provide a nice boost to your B&Ws.
Even better is the iFI iDSD, both in Nano and Micro versions (I think the Micro might be dearer than the 250 UKP you specified). Also, you will need the Camera Connection Kit adapter.


alexandre

Hi Alexandre,

thank you for the reply

I've had a look at some reviews on youtube for the nano and micro and nobody really mentions which one is the best, i beleive both can me used as a portable device?
the micro looks a little bulky not that that's a problem if the sound is good, how much better does it actually sound.?
Ive also looked at the Teac HA-P50 and the DENON DA10SPEM ?
i just don't want to waiste 250 pound if it's just a slight improvement.

thanks again

 

[craigy]

Hi, yeah it does sound like a good choice, i don't know just how much it's going to improve on what i've already got?
i have also replied to alexandre's comment,

thank you

 

[FrantzM]

Hi Alexandre,

thank you for the reply

I've had a look at some reviews on youtube for the nano and micro and nobody really mentions which one is the best, i beleive both can me used as a portable device?
the micro looks a little bulky not that that's a problem if the sound is good, how much better does it actually sound.?
Ive also looked at the Teac HA-P50 and the DENON DA10SPEM ?
i just don't want to waiste 250 pound if it's just a slight improvement.

thanks again

I have not heard the Denon nor the Teac unit you're talking about but I have the IFi micro iDSD and it is a fantastic unit.its ampifier section is good and very powerful. It will drive any headphones out there including the extremely inefficient but so wonderful sounding Hifiiman HE600 which is a beast to drive.. It doubles as a 4000 mAH battery back-up for your mobile devices ... Highly recommended ..l I believe however it is above your price point, about $500 .... the nano doesn't have all the features .. I haven't heard it but all reviews mention similar performance
As for "slight" vs "dramatic". it has to be your call ...

 

[craigy]

hey thank you once again for your replies much appreciated, i'll be making a decision next couple of days

Craig

 

[asiufy]

I haven't compared the micro x nano directly (we sold out of micros before I could)... But I think the main difference might be just the ports and features. Sound-wise, they might be almost equivalent.
As I said, to use these directly with a portable device, you'll need the Apple Camera Kit adapter. With the ADL/Furutech X1, you don't.


alexandre

 

[craigy]

so i take it you can supply me the nan if need be because if i decide i'll order from yourself

 

[asiufy]

It might be cheaper to order locally, specially now with the strong dollar...

http://ifi-audio.com/sales/#unitedkingdom