I need some assistance looking for a new balanced Desktop Amp under $1000 with very specific requirements

[Tex Irie]

For context my Monolith THX 887 Amp croaked last night. Unfortunately, I now have to look for another Desktop Amp. I'd like some community input. This is my criteria:

• Must be black in color to match the rest of my desktop
• Not made or manufactured by Schiit, Topping, Drop, Monoprice, Singxer, SMSL
• Cannot be a DAC/Amp Combo
• Can be repaired in the US if necessary (This is the only requirement I'm flexible on)
• Must be Balanced
• Solid State Only ( I have no interest in Tubes or Tube Rolling)
• Must be able to drive sensitive IEMs (Westone W80) without hissing
• Must be able to drive Planars (LCD-X/XC, HE1000se, HE6se)

Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. Thank you fellow Head-Fiers in advance!!

 

[pbui44]

Here are a couple, but check on their manufacturer's support history:

https://www.ttvjaudio.com/Cayin-iHA-6-Solid-State-Headphone-Amplifier-p/cay9990005.htm

https://www.headphones.com/collections/desktop-amps-dacs/products/burson-soloist-3x-performance

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

What's on my mind right now is Flux Labs FA-12. Check it out.

Or a Dynalo Susy Mk2.

 

[Tex Irie]

What's on my mind right now is Flux Labs FA-12. Check it out.

Or a Dynalo Susy Mk2.

Trying to research this Dynalo Susy Mk2 do you happen to have the url for the manufacturer's website?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Its usually DIY. Need a builder for it. Sorry.

 

[mauaudiocr]

Somebody on ebay is selling a Monolith THX 887, just FYI, in case you want same replacement. https://www.ebay.com/itm/324908889657

 

[Tex Irie]

Somebody on ebay is selling a Monolith THX 887, just FYI, in case you want same replacement. https://www.ebay.com/itm/324908889657

Thank you for your input. I have very specific criteria I listed at the top of the thread. I'm not interested in buying another Monolith THX 887.

 

[Tex Irie]

Its usually DIY. Need a builder for it. Sorry.

Thank you for the suggestion. I have no desire to begin a DIY project.

 

[Tex Irie]

Here are a couple, but check on their manufacturer's support history:

https://www.ttvjaudio.com/Cayin-iHA-6-Solid-State-Headphone-Amplifier-p/cay9990005.htm

https://www.headphones.com/collections/desktop-amps-dacs/products/burson-soloist-3x-performance

Thank you for the suggestions. They are outside of my requirement for the matching everything on my desk. My desk and all my gear are black in color.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Ticks all your boxes but a bit over budget but try looking at Kinki Studio's THR-1

 

[Tex Irie]

The search continues.... Currently experimenting with a Beyerdynamic A20 a good friend loaned me after my Monolith THX 887 Amp fouled out on me. I've never considered a single ended Amp... But this A20 sounds pretty luscious paired with my DAC and IEMs.

 

[rhart00]

What's on my mind right now is Flux Labs FA-12. Check it out.

i vote for this as well

 

[Tex Irie]

i vote for this as well

What's the shipping times look like and can it be repaired in the US if there is a failure of some kind?

 

[Tex Irie]

The answer for me is spend more and purchase GSX-Mini.

 

[elira]

Benchmark HPA4 could be an option but it’s not balanced.