how would the Liquid Carbon X + SDAC compare to the Jotunheim + DAC? I understand it's $380 compared to $500 but at this point I'm more just looking for a bottom line performer
It really depends on what you need.
My personal option:
Function:Jot> LCX, Jot has very nice balanced output, which is really nice to have under 1000, also to mention if you own a jbl slr 305, it is somekind of pain to find balanced input(even you don't have to), I end up get a DAC, and schitt sys as a preamp.
DAC: Jot>= LCX, I never try sdac, but it is still one of the best budge dac, but jot has a Dual AK4490 which make it really awesome, but the price will go up to 499.
AMP:LCX>>Jot, it really depends on what kind of headphone you use, but I think overall LC is the best under 1000 amp
So it really depends on what you want, if you want a simple good computer console, choose Jot, if you already have gear, you just want to upgrade your headphone amp, choose LCX.
Both in my mind are all perfect. since I have my own dac and I want a just good headphone amp, so I choose LCX. But this is for me, cause I have already set up my speakers, Jot will have a cleaner look on your desk(my desk is a mess right now because all the wires I have.