Desktop DAC with 4.4mm balanced headphone output

[NoHarshSounds]

I am looking for a budget (up to 250 dollars) desktop DAC to use mainly with my Meze 99 Classic (with 4.4mm balanced cable) and Letshuoer S12 Pro (4.4mm cable also).

I'd prefer a transparent non colored sound and a wider soundstage than warmer analogue sounding DAC (my 99 Classic is warm enough as it is for me).

 

[dunring]

I use an SMSL DL200 for a DAC and the headphone amplifier is 1.5 watts at 32ohm so it can power lots of things. The DL100 has a smaller footprint, but sounds identical. The main difference is the DL200 can make a slight tick when changing bit rates, but can fit even a Topping A70Pro on it perfectly for future expansion. The DL100 doesn't have the issue, but the A30Pro is the biggest amp you can fit on it.
The Topping DX5 or EX5 are both good if you get the right price. If you max the budget and buy on sale at Aliexpress or used, the SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC is the best performance in the price range. Amir at ASR did measurements on it, and if you don't plan on needing more power than that, it's a win. The form factor isn't ideal, the SMSL HO150X will fit on it though for added power down the road.

 

[pbui44]

Check this DAC/amp out, but do remember that this price will only last for 2-3 days from this posting:

https://drop.com/buy/xduoo-xa-10-dac-amp/

 

[WILLJS]

JDS Labs…

 

[Mofankri]

For the price and criteria, what came first in my mind is fiio k11. But it's an dac/amp. Not sure if it's an upgrade tho

Maybe you can try topping E70. It's a pure desktop DAC so you need dedicated amp. L70 is an amazing pair with it. It suits all your criteria plus amazing detail and dynamic retrieval

 

[sofastreamer]

fiio k11 r2r, havent heard higher fidelity under 300 and more than enough power for your headphones. doesnt get warm, doesnt eat much space. im even using it with kilobuck planars

 

[NoHarshSounds]

Hi, guys. Thanks for all the replies!

Although I wanted to buy JDS Amp+Dac combo, I live outside US and taxes would be way too high. So I ended up buying Fiio K11 and the newly released SMSL M20 (march 2025 release date). One will be for my PC and the other for work.

 

[sofastreamer]

Thanks for reporting back! Have fun with your new gear! cannot find the m20, do you have a link?

 

[NoHarshSounds]

Thanks for reporting back! Have fun with your new gear! cannot find the m20, do you have a link?

Sure, here it is:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtS8WvZ

SMSL M20 has great specs on sheet and also looks amazing!