Looking for the most powerful DAC/Amp "all-in-one". Any suggestions? So far it's looking like the Burson Conductor but that bad boy costs $1,850.00.... Hopefully something as powerful but not as expensive? Under $1200.00? 

Hello all,   I am a newbie to the dac world. I have been reading the original Compass thread extensively. ( I have one on the way to me right now) But I am still a little confused by a couple things. I will be using it USB from my Laptop playing FLAC Files. I believe it is the old pcm2707 chip...

Hi everyone.   I was about to post this in the Compass 2 impressions thread but according to the welcome pm I received, this is here I should post. So I hope this is correct ...   I currently have this setup : Source : Asus Xonar Essence STX > Amp : Bravo Ocean > Headphones : Audio Technica...

A while ago when I made the purchase of my Audio GD NFB 10-SE I did some fairly extensive listening to the Audiolab M-DAC which at the time was at the top of my list in regards to value for money. I couldnt quite stretch the budget that far so I settled with the NFB 10-SE which I have been...

Hey guys, quick question for those of you who had/still have the original Audio-GD compass.  I see a couple of these floating around on the classifieds here and was wondering how they stack up against today's DAC/amp combos such as the O2/ODAC, Aune T1, and Magni/Modi stack.  I know there were...

Hi    I bought an Audio-gd Compass back when they first offered them for sale. About 2 years later, I noticed an occasional audio dropout - like a quick 1 second blank spot...but then the sound would return.   The Compass was being used exclusively for PC audio, fed to the Compass via...

Hello folks,   I'm wondering if the amp section of my Audio-GD Compass headphone amp/DAC is usable with passive speakers such as the Audioengine P4? I'm fairly sure it can be used as a DAC, but what about the amp? It looks like it has DAC and preamp connectors. Not sure what a preamp does...

Can't get enough of these guys.  Love everything I've heard/read about them.   I own a compass and am very happy with it.  Would like to try Wolfson 8741.  Seeing as how I am happy w/ the amp on the compass should I go with NFB 3.1 and then amp it with the compass?  OR should I go with...

I have an audio-gd compass that i use with some denon d5000's.     I believe it has the earth op amp in it.   I really like this amp and plan on keeping it.  I figure it might be fun to do some customization to it.    Should I buy the opamps?   I was thinking the sun and moon...

My Audio-gd Compass just died, which is a shame because I'd been very happy with it.  I went to the Audio-gd website to order another one but the Compass is no longer listed.   The equivalent seems to be the NFB-5.  Is that a good replacement for the Compass or is there another DAC+Amp in the...

with this amp i have the choice of dual 3 pin or single 4 pin xlr, which should i choose and why?  

I just noticed that my Compass had its 3rd birthday a month ago. How many of you guys still remember the buzz it made? I still have it in day to day use at work and it keeps up quite nicely. Opened it up and it looks like on the day I bought it. For me it was the first step into "hi-fi" from...

OK, I've had this card for about 4 months and I've been using it with my receiver without any issues......     Then I move....   I'm in the process of trying to arrange my PC, and really don't have the room for a receiver, so I decide to run this through my Compass  (been locked up for 4...

I received my Audio-gd Compass 2 yesterday (default build with the 2 free TCXOs... not sure what those are supposed to change to the sound, but hey: they were free!), and I thought I would publish a summary of first impressions I got with the unit.   While reading this post, keep in mind...

Hey is the original AUDIO-GD COMPASS a upgrade over let's say a Mangi/Modi stack?

Hi,   I started a thread trying to find the best amp/DAC combo to get for my HD650 for around +-500$. The more I read, the more my preconceived opinions change. I read on Head-Fi and Headphonia that the HD650 and the BottleHead Crack are really a stellar combination, but of all the threads I...

Hi guys,   I have listened to loads of HiFi DACs that use the ESS Sabre chipset and I have always liked their signature. I was wondering if people knew any good headphone DAC/amps that also used that chip as might try a couple to see if they have the same signature with several pairs of...

Hi guys so I was looking for a desktop amp under $600 (with shipping to Czech republic) for the HE-500 (and additionally also for Ultrasones pro900) As of now I own the Fiio E11 and the GD Audio NFB-16 (which I use with the Pro 900) Now as my purchase of the Hifiman approaches, Im looking...

New product that looks like an upgraded version of the Compass and Fun. Priced at $499.   Kingwa claims infinite upgradability due to the solderless dac section (can switch between Sabre and Wolfson chips), opamps, dir module, and USB chip. Also has a line in function which is normally not...

Long time lurker; first post.   I'm looking for a multi-use amp to drive my entire range of cans, the HE-500, HD 650, and Beyer DT 880 600Ohm.  I'm currently using a Xonar Essence STX with both the built in amp and also as a DAC connected via RCA output to a slightly modded Bravo Audio V2. ...