[Halk]

I've just retired my xonar essence stx and won't be able to put it into my new build so it's time to get something else.

Previously I used a pair of sennheiser headphones and a SMSL SA-50 with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s.

I'd like to continue with what I've got but with the addition of a USB DAC.

I'm finding it much more difficult to shop for DACs that I do for headphones.

I've been recommended a Fostex HP-A4 but it's rather expensive - £339. It does look ideal, it's got a headphone socket on the front, it's got a button to switch between headphones and speakers and it doesn't look awful (actually looks good).

My requirements are -

* USB
* headphone socket
* RCA out (to SA-50)
* Button/switch to select output
* Discrete
* Broadly in line with sound quality of the other gear I have

 

[PurpleAngel]

What Sennheisers do you have?

 

[Halk]

They're game zero but they're due a change.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I use the Audio-GD NFB-11.28 DAC/amp, to drive all my headphones.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFN1128/NFB1128EN.htm

 

[Halk]

That looks perfectly fine but it's around the same price and I'm hoping I don't need to spend as much as that.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Maybe a used Objective 2/ODAC or used Schiit Modi/magni combo.
Maybe the website AVforum, might ponit you to the best deals in Europe?