[evilgreen5]

I understand your description of the DX90's sound qualities, but I'm having trouble interpreting your explanation of the X5. Does blacker background mean a darker/deeper bass/lows presence? Thanks for your reply!!

 

[JoeDoe]

It has more of a recording studio background where the DX90 presents more of a concert hall sound.

 

[evilgreen5]

Okay, gotcha. I know it's up to personal tastes, but not having had the opportunity to compare the sound signatures (nor will I without buying both, unfortunately), which DAP would you recommend? The X5 or DX90?

 

[cel4145]

Okay, gotcha. I know it's up to personal tastes, but not having had the opportunity to compare the sound signatures (nor will I without buying both, unfortunately), which DAP would you recommend? The X5 or DX90?

In that case, you should make your choice based on features and other attributes. Personal listening preferences between two very popular transparent and accurate DAC/amps that are considered similar in class is exactly that: personal listening preference. Might as well flip a coin if that's your only decision making factor.

 

[evilgreen5]

I guess it really comes down to the usage as a USB DAC. Several forum posts have noted that iBasso has not provided drivers for OSX, which is worrisome to me. Any insight on this cel4145?

 

[cel4145]

Sorry, I don't. Try asking in the main DX90 discussion and impression threads on Head-Fi.

 

[evilgreen5]

One more question for you cel, if you don't mind. Just to cover all my bases, are there any desktop usb DACs, not DAPs, in the $300-500 range that you would recommend? Thanks again for your help!

 

[cel4145]

The Schiit Modi/Magni is very good. ODAC/O2. I used to have the Asgard 2 headphone amp, that was great. Right now I have an Audio-GD NFB-11, which is a combined DAC/headphone amp/preamp with multiple digital inputs.

 

[evilgreen5]

Oh wow, both the Modi/Magni combo and the ODAC/O2 look like incredible values. Thoughts for deciding between the two for my ES60s?

 

[cel4145]

Not sure if either has an advantage with higher sensitivity IEMs like that.

 

[evilgreen5]

Hmmm, this is a tricky decision.

 

[JoeDoe]

The Schiit Modi/Magni is very good. ODAC/O2. I used to have the Asgard 2 headphone amp, that was great. Right now I have an Audio-GD NFB-11, which is a combined DAC/headphone amp/preamp with multiple digital inputs.

Other than the fact that mine is an 11.32, you and I have an identical history.

Oh wow, both the Modi/Magni combo and the ODAC/O2 look like incredible values. Thoughts for deciding between the two for my ES60s?

You'll be using your stack with full-size headphones with a quarter inch jack correct?

 

[cel4145]

Other than the fact that mine is an 11.32, you and I have an identical history.

Good to meet another NFB-11 owner that came from the Schiit audio route

 

[evilgreen5]

It took a lot of deliberation and help from you guys, but I finally decided upon the Asgard 2 and a Modi. Thanks so much for all your suggestions and expertise, I will let you know how everything sounds tomorrow!