[hfi429366999]

Hello,

If i can't get a recommendation for a dedicated headphone amp from this forum, then i think such recommendation is hopeless (???).

I've got a budget of around $2,500 for following requirements,

a) Always on, not turned off,
b) DAC with DSD256 native (DoP is acceptable)
c) Streamer (with Roon Ready) is optional
d) balanced headphone support (to drive my Focal Utopia)
e) non-preamp (preamp is optional, but i don't need it), this will be sitting next to my desk in study room (i have descent gears in audiophile room)
f) no battery
g) not a full-on rack size unit

My current setup at my desk is to use CHORD Mojo and AK380. Both have batteries. Mojo is non-balanced output. AK380 is nearly "perfect" with its cradle cabled with Silver Dragon USB cable to my dedicated minisforum PC. But AK380 has battery. Recently having it turned on always, the battery bloated and had to replace it from a donor AK320 unit i had around. Thanks AK320!

Some options i've come across are,

1) CHORD Hugo 2 (but has battery, non-balanced)
2) TEAC UD-505-X (pre-amp, i don't need it)
3) TEAC NT-505-X (streaming/pre-amp, i don't need it)
4) OPPO HA-1 (discontinued)
5) Mytek Brooklyn DAC (discontinued, looks like their Bridge streamer product replaced it)
6) ...


Clearly there are many, many choices out there, from searching online.


Just turning to the forum folks here, to help me make the decision, hopefully by end of the week.

Help me !



Thanks!

 

[Craft Ears]

Does have a preamp, but an interesting product nonetheless: https://www.hifiman.com/products/detail/341

 

[hfi429366999]

Balanced output headphone is BS, IMHO

Narrowed down to these 2, FPGA DACs FTW !

a) Mojo 2
b) Hugo 2

Not drinking CHORD Coolaid here, but there's something "special" IMHO in buying DACs designed by someone/company from "ground up", where listening is emphasized more than math and science.

 

[Craft Ears]

Balanced output headphone is BS, IMHO

Narrowed down to these 2, FPGA DACs FTW !

a) Mojo 2
b) Hugo 2

Not drinking CHORD Coolaid here, but there's something "special" IMHO in buying DACs designed by someone/company from "ground up", where listening is emphasized more than math and science.

I wouldn't dismiss a balanced connection. It's not even about the power as it is about separating channels Chord is a good, choice, be mindful that they have their sound signature, so I would try them first. If you can