Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headphones

[simonr]

Are there any sort of digital sound processors out there that I can use as way to increase sound quality from MP3s between my mac and headphones ?

I'm not an expert on these things but saw Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 speakers combine "digital signal processing with advanced acoustic technology" and have been looking at the Apogee products (although they seem to work more on an input persective for recording into my laptop).

Any guidance would be appreciated !

[sbando]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

You mean a DAC?

[simonr]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

You mean a DAC?

Yes

But something portable ... spotted this for my Hifi :

http://www.richersounds.com/product/cd-players-recorders-dacs-cassette-decks/cambridge-audio/dacmagic/camb-dacmagic-08-blk

Wanted something small/portable for on the move.

[simonr]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

Also spotted this :

http://www.whathifi.com/review/fiio-e7

http://www.trustedreviews.com/FiiO-E7_Portable-Audio_review

"If your music system consists of a PC or laptop and a pair of headphones, then we’ve got a treat for you.This FiiO E7 USB DAC headphone amplifier is one of the most cost-effective ways for you to get better sound quality. For a reasonable £64, you get a superbly built, aluminium-cased unit, a rubber cover and a suitable USB lead.

The E7 has two 3.5mm headphone outputs, should you wish to share your tunes with someone else, as well a dedicated connection for FiiO’s £85 E9 headphone amplifier, if you want something (that on paper at least) is likely to deliver even higher quality.

Top-notch tone

There’s a choice of equalisation adjustments that boost bass to varying degrees, and the option of disconnecting power recharging to improve the unit’s battery life – a thoughtful touch.

Try not to judge the E7 straight from the box. While it sounds decent, the tone gains markedly in refinement and space as the E7 gets used more. Give it a few days and this FiiO turns out to be a remarkably fine product for the money.

It has the composure and subtlety to work well with dense, low-key recordings such as Kate Bush’s quite lovely Sunset, and there’s a good level of detail and the kind of expressive dynamics that normally cost a whole lot more to enjoy.

Switch to something harder-hitting – Jay Z’s Blueprint for example – and the FiiO delivers plenty of bass kick and high volume levels without struggle.

The E7’s timing is reasonably crisp, so it can latch onto a rhythmic track with confidence. You can add a relatively even tonal balance and a good dose of refinement to this unit’s long list of plus points, too.

The FiiO is a talented product sold at a hugely aggressive price. It’s a great buy."

[sbando]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

Guess what, I have the DacMagic myself It's not that portable, I bet there are smaller usb devices out there. Quality is excellent, though, especially using the optical lineout.

Edit: about post 2, that's a cute little device, 64£, nice find.

[feather]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

There're quite a bit of options from external USB sound cards to DACs. But from my recent experience, some external USB sound cards aren't Mac compatible (Creative and Vantec ) so I'd stick to DAC if you don't need fancy stuff like surround sound.

I recommend head-fi for all things stereo, maybe this thread can help: http://www.head-fi.org/t/574423/advice-for-affordable-dac-for-laptop

[simonr]

Re: Tech Q ? External digital sound processors to improve MP3 sound qual into headpho

Managed to grab an FiiO though amazon for £48 .. so will give that a go for now