[ecclesand]

This could also be posted in the Dedicated Source forum, but...which one is better as a DAC...a stock Zhaolu 2.5C (with upgraded discrete amp) or the Auzentech XMeridian with upgraded op-amps?

I'm at a point where I think I need to get a better amp for my SR325i and don't know whether I should keep the Zhaolu and pair it with an inexpensive amp or sell the Zhaolu, get the XMeridian, and pick up a higher-end amp.

 

[oqvist]

X-meridian and better amp probably. Very easy to change opamps on it.

you get dolby headphone support with the X-meridian as well which is really nice for movies but also works for games. I preferr the Elite Pro but that is more expensive and I think their analogue out capabilities is pretty equal. Depends on what sound signature you like

I changed the opamps once and it did remarkably change the sound signature to the better

some cheap 4562s