Hi,
I will need a USB Desktop DAC/AMP to pair with a Austrian Audio The Composer soon. For now I got a Grado RS2e running on my Asus Xonar Essence STX II. The problem however is that my GPU induces hiss under load which I cannot get rid of (both cards are two PCIe slots apart). My plan is to entirely replace the STX II with an USB DAC/AMP to avoid these problems.
Requirements
- Around USD 1.000 at max.
- Powerful enough to drive even demanding headphones (The Composer is not but who knows)
- XLR or 4.4 mm out on the front (fully balanced circuitry)
- Well built, non-crackling analogue volume knob, preferably matte black design
- Bluetooth receiver with latest codecs (aptX HD/Lossless, LDAC)
- Bluetooth transmitting option would be nice to have
- No preference on DAC chip (AKM, ESS, Cirrus Logic; these are all transparent anyways)
I compiled a list of devices but request your input and experience with devices in this price range.
Thanks, I appreciate your help.
I will need a USB Desktop DAC/AMP to pair with a Austrian Audio The Composer soon. For now I got a Grado RS2e running on my Asus Xonar Essence STX II. The problem however is that my GPU induces hiss under load which I cannot get rid of (both cards are two PCIe slots apart). My plan is to entirely replace the STX II with an USB DAC/AMP to avoid these problems.
Requirements
- Around USD 1.000 at max.
- Powerful enough to drive even demanding headphones (The Composer is not but who knows)
- XLR or 4.4 mm out on the front (fully balanced circuitry)
- Well built, non-crackling analogue volume knob, preferably matte black design
- Bluetooth receiver with latest codecs (aptX HD/Lossless, LDAC)
- Bluetooth transmitting option would be nice to have
- No preference on DAC chip (AKM, ESS, Cirrus Logic; these are all transparent anyways)
I compiled a list of devices but request your input and experience with devices in this price range.
Thanks, I appreciate your help.
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