[xPakrikx]

Hi
 
I am looking for replacement my Asus STX + Burson SSV5 sound card with external USB DAC/AMP under 600$
 
My preferences:
 
- Output XLR/RCA (i prefer balanced for my Eve audio sc205)
- Headphone amp
- Swappable OPA (i want use my Burson ss v5s)
- Mic input (not necessary but useful)
 
 
My favorites
 
Shiit Jotunheim - no swappable OPA
Asus xonar essence one mkII
Audio-gd NFB-11 - no swappable OPA
 
 
Any recommendation ?
Thanks for help

 

[Stillhart]

There are almost no balanced DAC/Amps in that price range other than the Jotunheim.  If you can stretch a bit, the NFB-28 is an option too.  But neither use OpAmps, which most people consider a good thing.
 
If you're set on using something with OpAmps, I don't think you're going to find a balanced option.  For another SE option, check out the Creative X7.

 

[techboy]

I'd stick to Jot.

 

[xPakrikx]

If you compare nfb-28 and nfb-11 on unbalanced output in sound quality. Is it worth that money ?
 
Thanks for advice

 

[Stillhart]

  If you compare nfb-28 and nfb-11 on unbalanced output in sound quality. Is it worth that money ?
 
Thanks for advice

 
I haven't heard the 11, but I have had the 15 and the 28.  I'm pretty sure the 28 is a step up from the 11 but not because it's balanced.  They make an NFB-29 that's an SE version and they wouldn't do that if it were the same as the 11.  It's got a bigger/better power supply, better DAC implementation, better amp, etc etc.
 
Now whether or not you've got the gear to discern the difference is probably the more important question.