Best Entry level DAC/AMP under $200? BlasterX G6 vs Topping NX4 vs Fiio K3 vs Fulla

[JP9mm]

Hello, been into home/car audio 20 years and starting to get more into the headphones world.
I mostly listen through PC, but would also want to run line out to my speaker system in living room.
I use headphones mostly for music,gaming and some movies.
I'm looking for the best sounding and powerful amp that can support a small growing collection of headphones.
It doesn't Need to be portable, but it seems most of the devices in this price range are.

I've just upgraded from my Cloud 2 headset with mini dac/amp with a pair of SHP9500.
Currently using the cloud amp but will soon be testing out the BlasterX G6.

Wondering if i made the right choice so i would like to order the next best dac/amp in the same price range so i can compare with my own ears.

On my list of 'want to try,maybe buy headphones' includes Senn 6xx,58x, DT990, HIFIMAN 4XX,Sendy aiva, AG 712

So whats everyone's thoughts on a good amp that can support me for awhile on my headphone journey?

 

[bzippy]

If you're running Line Out then you don't need a DAC and your choice is simple: Schiit Magni 3, $99. (but you probably already know that)

So, if you do end up choosing to bypass your PC's DAC then it's still an easy decision: Schiit Modi & Magni stack. $198.

I just got the Modi-Loki-Magni stack a couple weeks ago. It's my first desktop rig and I'm simply blown away by the improvement over my JDS C5 portable amp (which I thought was pretty amazing before).


Edit:
I learned about the JDS Atom after posting this (I guess I'm not great at keeping up with things). So I guess maybe it's not such an easy decision afterall.

 

[Thenewbie76]

@bzippy I agree with his statement on you considering the shiit stack. That amp will certainly be able to drive the headphones you stated on you might wanna be getting in the future . The shiit stack is a much more future proof setup .If not take a look at the jds labs atom amp and jds ol dac at 99$ each. I would say go towards the atom more because their more newer then the shiit amp and has amazing audio measurements giving it a super clean crisp sound that is pitch black with background noises

 

[PurpleAngel]

I mostly listen through PC, but would also want to run line out to my speaker system in living room.
I use headphones mostly for music,gaming and some movies.
I'm looking for the best sounding and powerful amp that can support a small growing collection of headphones.
It doesn't Need to be portable, but it seems most of the devices in this price range are.
I've just upgraded from my Cloud 2 headset with mini dac/amp with a pair of SHP-9500.
Currently using the cloud amp but will soon be testing out the BlasterX G6.
Wondering if i made the right choice so i would like to order the next best dac/amp in the same price range so i can compare with my own ears.
On my list of 'want to try,maybe buy headphones' includes Senn 6xx,58x, DT990, HIFIMAN 4XX,Sendy aiva, AG 712
So whats everyone's thoughts on a good amp that can support me for awhile on my headphone journey?

Are you looking for a simple DAC/amp (stereo audio) or would you need the surround sound features (FPS gaming) of a sound card?
I really like the HD58X,
would assume the Hifiman HD4XX is a good choice.

 

[JP9mm]

The G6 is a external dac/amp with seemly best hardware + software control for the money
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...w-and-measurements-of-sound-blasterx-g6.7016/

I got it today and i'm liking it so far.
Testing the surround features to see how much i like them.
Not looking for surround features on the next one but a good bass boost would be nice,
Didn't look like there is optical out on the schiit stack which is what i would prefer, i will have to run 50' cord to 7/1 living room receiver so dac/amp not really important for that it has its own dac/amp. not sure if that dac can be bypassed not sure how that aspect works?

 

[hseldon]

The G6 is a external dac/amp with seemly best hardware + software control for the money
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...w-and-measurements-of-sound-blasterx-g6.7016/

I got it today and i'm liking it so far.
Testing the surround features to see how much i like them.
Not looking for surround features on the next one but a good bass boost would be nice,
Didn't look like there is optical out on the schiit stack which is what i would prefer, i will have to run 50' cord to 7/1 living room receiver so dac/amp not really important for that it has its own dac/amp. not sure if that dac can be bypassed not sure how that aspect works?

Does it or will it by any chance support Super X-Fi? That feature seems to be the most innovative tech lately, but only one portable model supports it.