[Death_Block]

May consider higher if the jump in performance is truly exceptional. So far I've narrowed it to:
-ifi idsd BL signature
-topping dx5
-sabaj a20d
-zen dac with maybe a zen can
-Xduoo XD05 Considering
- RME adi-2
-S.M.S.L DO3ooEX
Will be used in the work office with option to transport it home on weekends. (Not a deal breaker if not). I like an xbass feature to play with but not necessary. Wide soundstage with excellent mids for hard rock. Unfortunately I can't test anything so have to buy from reviews and impressions so please ad in your thoughts or anything that's slid past my consideration Will be used to drive:
HD700
Ibasso SR2
Beyerdynamic amiron home
Shure srh1840
Or can consider other headphones for an excellent pairing. Music will be streamed at max fidelity from yet to be chosen source.

 

[pbui44]

I assume that you still have your ifi hip dac and will use that for your IEMs. In terms of value, the Earmen ST-Amp is a great AIO that will meet your budget with two units:

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/earmen-st-amp-fully-balanced-dac-headphone-amp-preamp.html

https://earmen-shop.com/products/earmen-st-amp

However, if you want real precision and capability for all of of your IEMs and over-ears, then the Astell&Kern PA10 has a ton of hidden value that is along those lines, and you can even ask questions in the product thread that I created here:

https://www.audiosanctuary.co.uk/astell-and-kern-ak-pa10-portable-headphone-amplifier.html

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ast...ssions-comments-or-general-discussion.967883/

 

[Death_Block]

Awesome, will take a gander

 

[Death_Block]

Earmen site has it way cheaper but won't ship to UK? It ships to new Zealand though lol

 

[spittis]

The ADI-2 DAC is a safe bet from that list.

 

[pbui44]

Earmen site has it way cheaper but won't ship to UK? It ships to new Zealand though lol

Audio Sanctuary is in England. The Earmen site is just a reference for the back of the amp, which the AS site does not show.

 

[pbui44]

If you want to go really cheap, then there is just one Sabaj A20h amp left for now and if you like it, then you can order another one as they get it in stock:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SABAJ-Desktop-Balanced-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B097BVP4S9/

 

[Death_Block]

I've actually got my eye on the earmen angel, seems a solid package without lacking in the dac area like the st. But also so tempting to bite the bullet and get the adi-2 and be done with it lol.

 

[Death_Block]

Just bought the Fiio K7. Cheap, but reviews read good. Paid £155.

 

[pbui44]

Just bought the Fiio K7. Cheap, but reviews read good. Paid £155.

You will need to get a 4.4mm balanced cable to get the most power that the FiiO K7 offers, but that should do it for the price.

 

[Death_Block]

Ya got the cable. I'll probably end up wishing I got the signature, or the smsl DO400

 

[jasonliuspark]

Dude we almost share the same usage scenario, I recently got an Xduoo XD05 pro, which perfectly suites my needs. It is fun to play with xd05 pro, where you can change dac card, and Op-Amp to adjust the sound. I personally like muse02 + rohm dac card.

 

[Death_Block]

Dude we almost share the same usage scenario, I recently got an Xduoo XD05 pro, which perfectly suites my needs. It is fun to play with xd05 pro, where you can change dac card, and Op-Amp to adjust the sound. I personally like muse02 + rohm dac card.

Very attractive unit that is. I couldn't decide on that or the ifi sig so I abandoned portable. But buyers remorse is hitting as the K7 is in the post so can't get my fix lol