I'm trying to come up with a list of DAC/amp combination units which allow headphone volume to be controlled independently from the analog output level. It's fine if the analog output level is fixed (at the usual 2V unbalanced, 4V balanced). I want to connect dynamic headphones to this unit, and have the ability to use another amplifier (with its own volume control) with other headphones. So far, the list is depressingly short:
1. Benchmark DAC1 HDR (but not the DAC2!)
2. Burson Conductor Virtuoso (though it has a 30 ohm output impedance, and so will not work well with IEMs)
3. CEntrance DACmini (when ordered with the "always-on RCA" mod; the 1 ohm output impedance option makes this a decent choice with IEMs)
4. HRT microStreamer
The Chord Hugo doesn't do it, the Resonessence Invicta doesn't do it, the Matrix Mini-i Pro doesn't do it, the Benchmark DAC2 HGC doesn't do it... most of these designs seem to have been built at least partly with the intent of eliminating preamps and driving power amps without dedicated volume controls.
What else is there that does what I'm looking for?
1. Benchmark DAC1 HDR (but not the DAC2!)
2. Burson Conductor Virtuoso (though it has a 30 ohm output impedance, and so will not work well with IEMs)
3. CEntrance DACmini (when ordered with the "always-on RCA" mod; the 1 ohm output impedance option makes this a decent choice with IEMs)
4. HRT microStreamer
The Chord Hugo doesn't do it, the Resonessence Invicta doesn't do it, the Matrix Mini-i Pro doesn't do it, the Benchmark DAC2 HGC doesn't do it... most of these designs seem to have been built at least partly with the intent of eliminating preamps and driving power amps without dedicated volume controls.
What else is there that does what I'm looking for?