All in one DAC Amp for up to $1500

[golgi]

I currently have a fantastic vinyl/tube based system to use my headphones with. My headphones in order of most use are HE1000 V2 Stealth, HD6xx, and HD580 original.

Now, I’m looking for a desktop DAC amp all in one that I can use for playing music from the likes of Qobuz, etc. I’m not interested in separate DACs and amps since that takes up more space. I’m looking at units that cost up to $1500. So far, stuff like the Burson Conductor 3x performance, Yulong DA10, FiIO K9 Pro, Topping DX9, and RME Adi-2 seem like good contenders. Are there any others that are better than these for around the same prices?

 

[dunring]

The Topping DX9 is going to be flawless and tons of power. A lot of combos will power those, the stealth versions are getting more efficient. For savings the SMSL DL300 will do a similar job for far less. Same with the Topping DX7 Pro+

 

[AmadisDeGaula]

AUDIO-GD R-28 NOS DAC R2R, aune s9c, Hifiman Serenade

 

[IXOYE]

RME ADI-2 DAC is what you look for, nothing else comes close to what it gives you in terms of performance and options.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

+1 on AUDIO-GD R-28 NOS

 

[AmadisDeGaula]

+1 on AUDIO-GD R-28 NOS

Hey man did you try it? I am strongly thinking about it but it's a bit pricy here in EU..almost all R2R are, 20% which are 1350euros. Let me know your impressions if your tried it please, I am thinking also about separate units like draco, denafrips or bifrost2/64 and an amp but theses are 1000 where I live. A bit discouraging considering I would probably pick the aune s17pro which is 700, that would make 1700 total.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Sorry, bro. Haven't had the chance. But an interesting product for an R2R + Balanced HP. Basically an R1 + Balanced HPA, IMO (in paper).
Other to consider are Topping's flagship DX9 (AKM4499EQ) and FIIO K19 (2x ES9039MSPRO) as AIO. If you want separate a Schiit Lyr + Bifrost combo is a good combo.
Depending on your gusto. When going higher in the price range its more on preference. Sorry not of big help. Try asking on their (DAC) dedicated threads for more on hand info.

Pricey? Yes I know. We're neighbors afterall.

Goodluck with your hunt!

 

[golgi]

I forgot all about this thread. After doing much reading and searching, I got a Burson Conductor 3X Reference and it has been a fantastic match with my headphones. It was a demo unit that looks and functions like new but was around half price! I also just ordered a Burson Super Charger power supply upgrade and am looking forward to seeing how that improves the sound. Even though it already sounds amazingly great, curiosity will likely lead me to try out the V7 op amps to see how that can improve the sound as well. Anyway, thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[ryanryanryan]

I forgot all about this thread. After doing much reading and searching, I got a Burson Conductor 3X Reference and it has been a fantastic match with my headphones. It was a demo unit that looks and functions like new but was around half price! I also just ordered a Burson Super Charger power supply upgrade and am looking forward to seeing how that improves the sound. Even though it already sounds amazingly great, curiosity will likely lead me to try out the V7 op amps to see how that can improve the sound as well. Anyway, thanks for all the suggestions.

Have the exact same setup and love it (with the Super Charger and vivid op amps).