I I have an Audio GD Balanced Dac and SMSL SU-8 tied to this now, and the Audio GD NFB-11 amp I have also has inputs that are supposed to be even better than the XLR (it bypasses some of the output stage as I understand it and essentially a more direct path to the amplifier from the DAC). I've...

Agreed that it will work. A better option for you may be one of these though. I have two and Love them. Allows you to switch between three sources (2balanced and one rca) as well as the same amount of the outputs. You could do the SMSL into balanced 1 (and another balanced dac in 2 as well...

I feel the SU-8 is better than both the Modi Multibit and Grace.

First and foremost, I would like to thank @Todd @TTVJaudio for promoting the loaner tour for the Focal Elegia! I like many other users out there want to get unbiased reviews from the community and especially when you look at potentially living with a not inexpensive headphone that you may...

Here is the gain 3 at about equal to my Audio-gd (set at 65 on low) so about 10 o'clock..... So 2 o'clock is about 10 on gain two and three....

Sorry, fixed it in the second post

I actually use the 789 mostly with my Focal Elex, but I did try it out with the Aeon finally this week during the holiday. Was also pre-occupied with the Focal Elegia's that I had for a week and sent off to the next user on Tuesday. I think the Aeon sounds absolutely pristine with the 789...

I have this combo. It's excellent. I'm using a Litte Bear switch to allow me to A/B between my Audio-gd R2R 1 and the SU-8. The sound is very comparable, the Audio-gd is better overall mainly in transparency and openness, but at 1/3 the price I don't think you'll find better in a balanced...

Agreed. The Audio-gd is great, but different and as you say it's always subjective. Also agree that I think you are going to be hard pressed at this price point for a better amp out there fully balanced, and that's just after only a brief period of listening to it.

I'm planning to spend some extended time with it this weekend, but my initial impression is that I like it about as much as I do my Audio-gd. The Audio-gd is great, but I have a problem with it and my Focal Elex for some reason, and i've only listened to the 789 with the Elex so far. One of...

I would strongly recommend the SMSL SU-8. It's exceptionally good and $200 on Massdrop when they have them available. Otherwise, $250 direct from China. It's Dual Mono which I believe will make it a better choice than the SDAC. I don't trust that the Balanced version of the SDAC will...

I have several other amps, here is the list: Audio-gd NFB-1 Massdrop Alex Cavalli CTH Massdrop Alex Cavalli Liquid Carbon X Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Schiit Vali 2 S.M.S.L sAp-9 Schiit Jotunheim Massdrop Objective 2 I also have an S.M.S.L SH-8 on order, and can't wait to use that with my second...