mmm at the end it says: "EDIT: with input from SMSL engineers, the USB port is under powered. Using an external power supply restores full performance. See: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ts-of-smsl-sanskrit-10th-dac.5702/post-127278. Assuming that you use an external power supply with...

Value-wise probably this one is the best option: https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Sanskrit-High-end-Optical-Coaxial/dp/B07J9YSD9R/

Do a test about how the xonar and the scarlett play music on your system.   As the scarlett is  USB powered try to make sure you are providing as clean usb power as possible. Better to use a USB 3 port and maybe a usb 3 hub.

How does it compare image wise against the odac? Did you conect them using anything between the dacs and the computer?

I just got it. In the next weeks I will be testing against the odac o2 combo with HD600 headphones. Will try a fiio x3 as dac also. Will try a pair of yamaha ns 1000 speakers and a belles 250 and a classe DR 10. Im really courios about the quality of sound that this Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 can...

Did you find in your measurements something that the 2i4 does bad or better comparing to the xonars? Both for the balanced and unbalanced outputs. Thank you again.

Thank you Boris, I see that as a headphone amp the 2i4 will not work well for high impedance phones. Were you able to compare the balanced output between the Xonars and the 2i4? Quality of the sound coming out of the DAC and general performace as a DAC?

Thank you Boris for the tests. Its difficult for me to compare them as they are in different formats and i don't have the technical knowledge to do it properly.   Can you give us digest of your findings? A subjective opinion on the quality of sound will also be great!