Feedback on Questile CMA600i vs Audio-GD 28 [HELP]

[Rex Aevum]

Any other DAC & AMP, can be in one unit or separate, for under $1300 that you can recommend, maybe something I have not considered?
Do want to be balanced though.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Hello everyone,
I have just joined the community and I am new to the high-end audio scene, I only started getting into it about 2 years ago, in this time span I have acquired some gear, while not high-end way better than the gaming headsets and regular speakers I had.
I currently have:

• Schiit Modi 2 Uber & Magni 2 Uber
• Philips Fidelio X2 & SHP9500 & Audeze iSine 20 & Audio Technica AD1000x
• Vanatoo T1 powered monitors
• A pair of B&W 863 (i think that was the model) for my tv
• SVS SB-2000 sub

To get started, I was looking into upgrading my DAC/AMP, so that I can get more connections, power and maybe a cleaner sound. I started considering upgrade because currently,
I have an opportunity to get Audeze LCD-3 for $700 or LCD-x for $500 and I want a better AMP and DAC. The ones I have considere

My two cents.
I think you better off investing into better headphones, or headphones that might offer a sound more to your liking.

A Darkvoice 336SE OTL tube headphone amplifier ($214-$250) would be something you could connect to your current Modi DAC.
Leaving the rest of your audio budget for headphones.

 

[buke9]

My two cents.
I think you better off investing into better headphones, or headphones that might offer a sound more to your liking.

A Darkvoice 336SE OTL tube headphone amplifier ($214-$250) would be something you could connect to your current Modi DAC.
Leaving the rest of your audio budget for headphones.

I guess you missed the part of the post were he said he has the opportunity to get a LCD-3 for $700 or a LCD-X for $500 so I think that classifies as better headphones.
@Rex Aevum
Of the ones you listed I have on heard the Questyle and have heard several other Audio GD amps and dac's. Since I have not heard any of the Oppo desktop amp/dac's I can't comment on them. I do like the Questyle a lot it a very good preforming unit to be sure and I like all of the Audio GD stuff I have heard also. I have a Questyle QP1R dap and just adore the sound of it so I could be a little biased but like I said before I have liked all of the Audio GD stuff I've heard also so I think that might be a toss up for me but demo them if you can but sometimes that is pretty hard to do. Also I do like the Schiit Multibits a lot too as I have a Yggdrasil just had to throw that in there.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I guess you missed the part of the post were he said he has the opportunity to get a LCD-3 for $700 or a LCD-X for $500 so I think that classifies as better headphones.
@Rex Aevum
Of the ones you listed I have on heard the Questyle and have heard several other Audio GD amps and dac's. Since I have not heard any of the Oppo desktop amp/dac's I can't comment on them. I do like the Questyle a lot it a very good preforming unit to be sure and I like all of the Audio GD stuff I have heard also. I have a Questyle QP1R dap and just adore the sound of it so I could be a little biased but like I said before I have liked all of the Audio GD stuff I've heard also so I think that might be a toss up for me but demo them if you can but sometimes that is pretty hard to do. Also I do like the Schiit Multibits a lot too as I have a Yggdrasil just had to throw that in there.

I did see the Thread Starter taking about getting the LCD headphones, just trying to point out a nice tube amp (for it's price) to use with them.

 

[buke9]

Well your two cents what better headphones should he look for than the LCD-3 or LCD- X's ?

 

[Rex Aevum]

I guess you missed the part of the post were he said he has the opportunity to get a LCD-3 for $700 or a LCD-X for $500 so I think that classifies as better headphones.
@Rex Aevum
Of the ones you listed I have on heard the Questyle and have heard several other Audio GD amps and dac's. Since I have not heard any of the Oppo desktop amp/dac's I can't comment on them. I do like the Questyle a lot it a very good preforming unit to be sure and I like all of the Audio GD stuff I have heard also. I have a Questyle QP1R dap and just adore the sound of it so I could be a little biased but like I said before I have liked all of the Audio GD stuff I've heard also so I think that might be a toss up for me but demo them if you can but sometimes that is pretty hard to do. Also I do like the Schiit Multibits a lot too as I have a Yggdrasil just had to throw that in there.

Thanks for the input, yeah i have settled on the LCD-X now and gonna get it soon but the AMP/DAC is still questionable - i, for the most part, dropped the opportunity HA-1 and now just need to decide which between the Questyle and Audio-GD and it's hard. I don't think i can have a listening session before getting one of them, which makes it even harder. Feature (has both balanced out and in, so it's more flexible) and price wise the Audio-GD is winning but the Questyle just looks so sexy and has a flat audio signature and low distortion. So I'm still figuring it out.

Anything else in the sub $1300 range I should consider, don't have to be a combo unit but I do want both a DAC and AMP.

 

[Rex Aevum]

My two cents.
I think you better off investing into better headphones, or headphones that might offer a sound more to your liking.

A Darkvoice 336SE OTL tube headphone amplifier ($214-$250) would be something you could connect to your current Modi DAC.
Leaving the rest of your audio budget for headphones.

Thanks for the feedback,

For now I do want a solid state AMP that's flat and analytical with a great DAC. A tube amp is probably be my next purchase when it comes to AMPs, something like the Darkvoice or Woo Audio or something (wanna try tube rolling) but for now I want something that is a great base and neutral