[squadgazzz]

Hello, community! I need your help again
Currently, I'm a happy owner of IFI iDSD micro BL + iUSB 3.0 with Audeze LCD-2C, Modhouse Argon Mk3 and CFA Cascade.
I love a spacious, warm, but still detailed signature of iDSD BL+iUSB 3.0, but my BL has burned out while using it in Turbo mode
But I regard this as a step forward to fully upgrade my desktop set. And looks like I need a fully balanced scheme to get the most from my Argon Mk3 and LCD-2C. Would be great to have an XLR output.

Could you please suggest me a DAC+AMP combo according to my preferences?
-I listen to electronic music like Industrial Techno, Ambient and also some Alternative like NIN, Limp Bizkit, etc. Also, I'm a basshead.
-I love spacious, a bit dark, powerful, energetic, drive sound with details and separation(but BL does not provide good separation).
-Same time I'm not a fan of dry, intimate and bright signature, I need some air all the time. Like I'm somewhere at a concert.
-Fully balanced scheme.
-Separate devices to be able to tune them in future.
-Size doesn't matter.

So, not sure, but maybe this should be a nice detailed DAC with a bit warm AMP.
My current searches are swirling around these models:
DAC: Ares II, Topping d30 pro, Topping D90.
AMP: Violectric V181/280, Jotunheim 2, Singxer SA-1, Cavalli Tube Hybrid.
Would use classifieds, so my budget is around $1400 for pre-owned or new stuff.

Would really appreciate any help!

 

[Uebelkraehe]

Burson Conductor 3X Performance might be exactly what you are looking for.

 

[squadgazzz]

Burson Conductor 3X Performance might be exactly what you are looking for.

Thanks, I'll read about this. But separated devices are a bit more preferable.

 

[PopZeus]

Jot 2 is primarily an amp with a DAC module as an option. Their discrete DAC in your price range is the Bifrost 2. But you might also consider the Ares 2 since it's around the same price and some folks prefer it to the BF2 (though maybe not from USB). Either way I think you're safe with the BF2 or Ares 2 if your amp choices are the Jot 2 or SA-1.

 

[squadgazzz]

Jot 2 is primarily an amp with a DAC module as an option. Their discrete DAC in your price range is the Bifrost 2. But you might also consider the Ares 2 since it's around the same price and some folks prefer it to the BF2 (though maybe not from USB). Either way I think you're safe with the BF2 or Ares 2 if your amp choices are the Jot 2 or SA-1.

Thanks. Looks like Ares II is what I was looking for. Now I need to make a decision between Jot2 and SA-1

 

[arielext]

If you can find one in the classifieds: the Audio-GD Master 19 is very spacious and has a bit more deep-bass then most neutral / reference grade amps.
I combine it personally with a RME ADI-2 DAC and I'm done. My other amp is a Lake People RS-08 which is also very very good. A bit less bass but a bit relaxed treble compared to the Master-19. Both amps are solid choices imo, with the Master-19 having the edge.

 

[escalibur]

Hello, community! I need your help again
Currently, I'm a happy owner of IFI iDSD micro BL + iUSB 3.0 with Audeze LCD-2C, Modhouse Argon Mk3 and CFA Cascade.
I love a spacious, warm, but still detailed signature of iDSD BL+iUSB 3.0, but my BL has burned out while using it in Turbo mode
But I regard this as a step forward to fully upgrade my desktop set. And looks like I need a fully balanced scheme to get the most from my Argon Mk3 and LCD-2C. Would be great to have an XLR output.

Could you please suggest me a DAC+AMP combo according to my preferences?
-I listen to electronic music like Industrial Techno, Ambient and also some Alternative like NIN, Limp Bizkit, etc. Also, I'm a basshead.
-I love spacious, a bit dark, powerful, energetic, drive sound with details and separation(but BL does not provide good separation).
-Same time I'm not a fan of dry, intimate and bright signature, I need some air all the time. Like I'm somewhere at a concert.
-Fully balanced scheme.
-Separate devices to be able to tune them in future.
-Size doesn't matter.

So, not sure, but maybe this should be a nice detailed DAC with a bit warm AMP.
My current searches are swirling around these models:
DAC: Jotunheim 2, Topping d30 pro, Topping D90.
AMP: Singxer SA-1, Cavalli Tube Hybrid.
Would use classifieds, so my budget is around $1400 for pre-owned or new stuff.

Would really appreciate any help!

How about Topping A90 + D90s ?

 

[squadgazzz]

How about Topping A90 + D90s ?

According to all the reviews, this combo is much more analytical than I'm searching for.

 

[squadgazzz]

Maybe, Ares II + Violectric v280 would be a nice setup...

 

[enricoclaudio]

My vote is also for Topping D90SE + A90 combo.

 

[iFi audio]

Hello, community! I need your help again
Currently, I'm a happy owner of IFI iDSD micro BL + iUSB 3.0 with Audeze LCD-2C, Modhouse Argon Mk3 and CFA Cascade.
I love a spacious, warm, but still detailed signature of iDSD BL+iUSB 3.0, but my BL has burned out while using it in Turbo mode
But I regard this as a step forward to fully upgrade my desktop set. And looks like I need a fully balanced scheme to get the most from my Argon Mk3 and LCD-2C. Would be great to have an XLR output.

Could you please suggest me a DAC+AMP combo according to my preferences?
-I listen to electronic music like Industrial Techno, Ambient and also some Alternative like NIN, Limp Bizkit, etc. Also, I'm a basshead.
-I love spacious, a bit dark, powerful, energetic, drive sound with details and separation(but BL does not provide good separation).
-Same time I'm not a fan of dry, intimate and bright signature, I need some air all the time. Like I'm somewhere at a concert.
-Fully balanced scheme.
-Separate devices to be able to tune them in future.
-Size doesn't matter.

So, not sure, but maybe this should be a nice detailed DAC with a bit warm AMP.
My current searches are swirling around these models:
DAC: Jotunheim 2, Topping d30 pro, Topping D90.
AMP: Singxer SA-1, Cavalli Tube Hybrid.
Would use classifieds, so my budget is around $1400 for pre-owned or new stuff.

Would really appreciate any help!

If you'd like to remain in the iFi family, you have multiple options both on the warmer and more analytical side. What's your budget if I may ask?

 

[Whitigir]

May want to try this one ?

 

[squadgazzz]

If you'd like to remain in the iFi family, you have multiple options both on the warmer and more analytical side. What's your budget if I may ask?

Thanks, but this time I'd like to try R2R DAC. And you don't really have good amp options. ZEN and iCAN. I've tried both and personally disliked them.

May want to try this one ?

Not sure about pairing the tube amp with planar headphones.

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks, but this time I'd like to try R2R DAC.

Yes, they sound a fair bit differently than what we do

ZEN and iCAN. I've tried both and personally disliked them

That's fiar enough

Good luck though!

 

[Whitigir]

Thanks, but this time I'd like to try R2R DAC. And you don't really have good amp options. ZEN and iCAN. I've tried both and personally disliked them.


Not sure about pairing the tube amp with planar headphones.

Why not ?