I just want to say that I love this website, bravo!
Current system:
PC -> Micca Origen 2 -> Senn HD600
-> Origain -> MB42X
I love the volume and output toggle on the origen but it's time for an upgrade. I want to upgrade my DAC / AMP setup first and then eventually get around to the speakers and headphones.
Here are my hopes and dreams in order of priority:
Here are some of what I've looked at and why I've not picked one:
Topping DX5 lite ($350 | 122db | 250mW@300Ω) - I wish they had balanced headphone output. I want to try balanced with my HD600. I know there's debate, but I just want the option of using headphones in SE or balanced.
Topping DX3 Pro+ ($200 | 117db | 250mW@300Ω) - no balanced output
Fiio k7 ($200 | balanced 560mW@300Ω) - I'm worried about that line-out accidental toggle that blows my speakers. Volume delay.
Topping L30 + E30 ($300 | 112db | 560mW@300Ω) - no balanced output
Sabaj A20d 2022 ($400) - price
S.M.S.L SU-9n ($400) - price
Schiit Jotunheim ($500) - price. The headphones still play when the speaker switch is toggled -- blowing my headphones.
Geshelli - looks beautiful and sweet that balanced seems important but controlling output / having separate amp+dac is a concern.
ifi - concerned about the amp
Schiit -- do not seem concerned about switching outputs
I haven't looked too hard at loxjie and jds labs -- should I look closer?
Which dac + amp or dac/amp situation am I not considering? I would love if anyone could make some recommendations. Thank you!
Current system:
PC -> Micca Origen 2 -> Senn HD600
-> Origain -> MB42X
I love the volume and output toggle on the origen but it's time for an upgrade. I want to upgrade my DAC / AMP setup first and then eventually get around to the speakers and headphones.
Here are my hopes and dreams in order of priority:
- Price. I'd like to stay under $400 but ideally in the $200-300 range
- Physical and/or remote toggle Headphone output or pre-out with volume control. I want to be able to flip a switch or push a button that stops sending sound to my headphones and pushes it to my speakers. I don't want to have to plug / unplug my headphones. Micca spoiled me. Fiio k7 looks great but I'd be worried about toggling up to that line-out and blowing speakers.
- Desk footprint. It would be great to have just one device but I'm open to separate DAC and headphone amp. I think most configurations would require a RCA or XLR switch to give me the toggle ability -- so I think I'm looking at at least 3 devices if I can't find a combo DAC / Headphone amp with a toggle switch.
- Front-facing true balanced and SE headphone outputs that can push HD600s
- Extensibility: it would be great if it does well with in-ears if I want to try that someday. I'd also like to try electrostatic headphones someday.
- Bluetooth, optical-in, USB-in, balanced input, and analog volume knob are nice-to-haves
- I don't want to have to install drivers. Don't trust closed source 3rd party software running on my PC.
Here are some of what I've looked at and why I've not picked one:
Topping DX5 lite ($350 | 122db | 250mW@300Ω) - I wish they had balanced headphone output. I want to try balanced with my HD600. I know there's debate, but I just want the option of using headphones in SE or balanced.
Topping DX3 Pro+ ($200 | 117db | 250mW@300Ω) - no balanced output
Fiio k7 ($200 | balanced 560mW@300Ω) - I'm worried about that line-out accidental toggle that blows my speakers. Volume delay.
Topping L30 + E30 ($300 | 112db | 560mW@300Ω) - no balanced output
Sabaj A20d 2022 ($400) - price
S.M.S.L SU-9n ($400) - price
Schiit Jotunheim ($500) - price. The headphones still play when the speaker switch is toggled -- blowing my headphones.
Geshelli - looks beautiful and sweet that balanced seems important but controlling output / having separate amp+dac is a concern.
ifi - concerned about the amp
Schiit -- do not seem concerned about switching outputs
I haven't looked too hard at loxjie and jds labs -- should I look closer?
Which dac + amp or dac/amp situation am I not considering? I would love if anyone could make some recommendations. Thank you!
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