[SBirmo]

Really new guy here. I jumped on the Cyber Monday HE-400i deal (and also the Senn 598SE, ugh) and now I need a desktop DAC/Amp to complement. I also have the Grado SR60e on their way - why, I don't know - I might have a problem - thanks Massdrop. Anyone have a recommended desktop DAC/Amp in the under $350 range? My funds are running out, lol, but I think I did well getting those three for $463 total? I listen to a wide range - classical, rock, blues, jazz - anything good. So it goes without saying, I don't listen to rap or electronic. Thanks for any guidance. If I don't get help soon, it will be difficult for me not to click ORDER on a JDS Element. Is that a bad thing?

 

[Music Alchemist]

When I owned an HE400i, I drove it with a Schiit Fulla, and it still sounded great. (I also had a Magni 2 Uber and various other amps, but that was before and after that time.) The Element looks like an amazing amp/DAC, and it's the only non-electrostatic amp I still want.

 

[12many]

Following
 
- Like you I have the HE-400i and am going to get an amp.  Looking at various Schitt products and the TEAC HA-P50.  I wonder if I could tell a difference between the two?
 
What is your source?  Desktop/laptop?

 

[Muzikal-JRNE]

I would recommend the FiiO E10K DAC/Amp. It is a good design and great value ($80). It has Line/Coax out as well, and should power all of your new cans excellently!
 
Cheers, Joe 

 

[SBirmo]

Thank you guys for the advice. I may get a FiiO for the Grados at the office and the Element or some Schiit for the house. I love to build things so a Crack is in my future too.

 

[alibaba88]

  Really new guy here. I jumped on the Cyber Monday HE-400i deal (and also the Senn 598SE, ugh) and now I need a desktop DAC/Amp to complement. I also have the Grado SR60e on their way - why, I don't know - I might have a problem - thanks Massdrop. Anyone have a recommended desktop DAC/Amp in the under $350 range? My funds are running out, lol, but I think I did well getting those three for $463 total? I listen to a wide range - classical, rock, blues, jazz - anything good. So it goes without saying, I don't listen to rap or electronic. Thanks for any guidance. If I don't get help soon, it will be difficult for me not to click ORDER on a JDS Element. Is that a bad thing?

Like you I jumped the gun on HE 400i too!! after some consideration I got the iBasso DX 80 to use as portable and DAC to my PC. its slightly above the $ range but i hope to bring down the cluter of getting different set up for desktop and on the go

 

[mysticstryk]

That $350 range you have several options:
 
- Schiit Modi 2 and Magni 2 stack (regular or uber option)
 
- O2-ODAC combo
 
- Element
 
- Audio gd NFB-11

 

[MadsSK]

I like the FiiO E10. It works great with all my headphones, although I am looking for an upgrade at the moment.

 

[Aleatorius]

I have the Schiit Uber stack with my HE400i but I plan on upgrading to something a little bit warmer.

Still a very solid setup though.

 

[SBirmo]

Thanks to all. I pulled the trigger on the Element. I figured it would handle anything and would be pretty well made. I am not really looking to be portable and I try to support USA companies when possible.

 

[Aleatorius]

Good choice, JDS Labs and Schiit are both American so you can't go wrong with either one but the Element is definitely very aesthetically pleasing.

 

[MadsSK]

Let us know how you like the Element! I hope you enjoy it