$450 budget for AMP/DAC

[killermax]

Hi,

I've recently bought a pair of Kennerton GH50 headphones. Im running it through a Qudelix 5k. Whilst it is more than enough to drive the headphones well, I still think that the mids are lacking. The vocals and pianos dont shine like they should. This headphone is no way near lacking in bass tho.

I have a budget of $450 for an AMP/DAC to upgrade my system. Can you please recommend me some?

Another question, How should you split a budget for a DAC and an amp? 50/50? or should you give more weight to an amp?

 

[Derivative]

Schiit products are a good place to start as they have offerings that would fit your budget, especially used.
personally I tend to shop used as that's where the best deals are.

if you can stretch the budget a bit I would highly recommend the Chord Mojo 2, it's all the DAC/Amp you'll need.

Otherwise look at Topping's offering too, great value for well engineered products.

 

[pbui44]

For your location, the Little Dot MKIII SE will have for the most lush mids for your budget:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/collectio...ube-transistor-balance-pure-class-a-amplifice

If you want to add a balanced DAC and can add just a little more to your budget, then this DAC has PCM and DSD, but no MQA:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/collectio...-chip-two-usb-audio-mode-high-performance-dac

 

[killermax]

How about the Topping dx5? I am currently looking at this unit.

 

[pbui44]

How about the Topping dx5? I am currently looking at this unit.

This DAC/amp works fine, but you will need to get a special EQ (equalizer) app to make your music more mid-centric with some lushness. This review highlights its features and sound, but pay attention to how this unit plays classical instruments and if your EQ app will adjust for these instruments accordingly:

https://www.headfonia.com/shenzhenaudio-topping-ex5-review/

https://www.whippedcreamsounds.com/audio-spectrum/

With that said, if you do not want to mess with EQ all of the time, then you can get this XDuoo TA-20 for that smooth-and-lush mid-centric sound and Topping DX3 Pro Plus to use as a DAC and have that clear-and-crisp all-around sound in the integrated amp, when you need it, and all for just $10 over your budget:

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...nced-tube-headphone-amplifier-power-amplifier

https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/...12-dac-nfca-headphone-amplifier-pre-amplifier