[WhenKittensATK]

I'm looking for $200-300 DAC/AMP for HE-400. I mostly listen to pop and hip hop music. I have limited desk space (3 monitors), so looking for something compact or could sit on top of my computer case. I currently use a Xonar DG.
 
JDLabs O2+ODAC - ~

$286.64 shipped​

It has 3.5mm DAC input (MP3 player), but all the ports are on the front. It's also a little pricey. USA based warranty.
 
Schiit Magni/Modi - $209.74 shipped
Great price, sleek design, and USA based warranty.
 
Audio-gd NFB 15.32 - $257.50 shipped + $20 TCXO Upgrade (optional) = $277.50
A lot more features, but China based warranty. How is Audio-gd's build quality? Is the extra $20 upgrade worth it (is it purchasable by a NA company at a later time)?
 
Also up for recommendations. Schiit's M&M stack sounds the most appealing for price, but is the NFB 15.32 worth the extra cost on sound alone?

 

[jackwess]

Aune T1 - good call

 

[formula1]

The Matrix M-stage pairs nicely with the HE400. 

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Audio-gd NFB 15.32 - $257.50 shipped + $20 TCXO Upgrade (optional) = $277.50
A lot more features, but China based warranty. How is Audio-GD's build quality? Is the extra $20 upgrade worth it (is it purchasable by a NA company at a later time)?
 
Also up for recommendations. Schiit's M&M stack sounds the most appealing for price, but is the NFB 15.32 worth the extra cost on sound alone?

I've been using the NFB-15.32 (with TCXO upgrade) for over a month now, no regrets.
Total cost to me was $298, shipped to California.
The TXCO upgrade is only $20 and the 15.32 is something you can use for years
and can work with more then just a PC computer.

 

[rubinstein]

audio gd 15.32
http://www.head-fi.org/t/648386/audio-gd-nfb-15-32-delivery-impression-thread/90#post_10037821

 

[mvrk10256]

You should buy my matrix M stage., 

 

[WhenKittensATK]

Is the Matrix M-Stage good enough to power a set of 2.0 bookshelves speakers? Thinking of adding some in the future.

Leaning towards the Audio-gd NFB 15.32 more now.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Is the Matrix M-Stage good enough to power a set of 2.0 bookshelves speakers? Thinking of adding some in the future.

Leaning towards the Audio-gd NFB 15.32 more now.

Monoprice 5" Studio monitors, $150 (self powered speakers).

 

[WhenKittensATK]

How would those Monoprice speakers compare to Swan D1080 IV or KRK Rokit 5 Gen3 (assuming I can even get a pair for under $200)? Just saw a picture of the Matrix M-Stage and that chassis is too long and weird looking haha.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  How would those Monoprice speakers compare to Swan D1080 IV or KRK Rokit 5 Gen3 (assuming I can even get a pair for under $200)? Just saw a picture of the Matrix M-Stage and that chassis is too long and weird looking haha.

The MP5 (Monoprice 5") studio monitors ($150) seem to come from the same factory that makes the M-Audio BX5s.
The MP5 and BX5 share the same outer box and the back panels also most match and the specs match.
Not sure how the MP5s compare to the Swan D1080 or KRK Rokit 5
 
My Audio-GD NFB-15.32 and MP5s combo sounds good to me.

 

[WhenKittensATK]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll probably be buying cables from Monoprice anyways. Now I'm wondering if I should order it tonight since that $15 coupon for spending $100 on an order ends on the 24th. Would it be possible to add a sub with that in the future? It'll probably require a receiver right?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Thanks for the recommendation. I'll probably be buying cables from Monoprice anyways. Now I'm wondering if I should order it tonight since that $15 coupon for spending $100 on an order ends on the 24th. Would it be possible to add a sub with that in the future? It'll probably require a receiver right?

I think the MP5 are a good 2.0 setup, trying to integrate a sub-woofer might take a little work.
I receiver would make things easy, but the receiver comes with amplifiers you would have no need for.
Buying a 2.1 like the Corsair SP2500 ($250) would be a better value.

 

[WhenKittensATK]

Put in an order for the NFB 15.32 with TCXO, ~$280-290 after shipping. I'll probably pick up speakers next month.

 

[rubinstein]

congrats . I am waiting for mine.