Modest though efficient chinese DAC+amp

[Theri0n]

My daily driver is LG G6 + Beyerdynamic DT770 80ohm

I am thinking of getting modest Chinese DAC+amp to use with PC.

There are comparably priced Topping D3 and SMSL SD-793II PCM1793.

I am going to connect it by optical/coaxial TOSLINK from PC for listening 24/192 hi-res FLAC

Which one to choose or can you suggest me something on par?

 

[easily_amused]

I like the Aune X1s to throw a spanner in the works here - although I’m not sure how it compares for price. Massdrop have an anniversary addition available at the moment too. The Aune is a very nice product, it pairs well with my T90s and my Elears - actually I really like it with the Elears, probably more than with my Mojo. Depends on the music though - the X1S brings vocals forward more to counteract the Elears tendency to lose them. It also pairs wel with the much brighter T90s.

I have eight cheaper Chinese DAC/Amp combo boxes at home (excluding the X1S) that I still haven’t listened too enough to really evaluate (I went on a shopping spree with intention of evaluating a bunch before Christmas but haven’t had time to dig in yet).

Among these are two which definitely would fit your needs: the SMSL m3 and the FX Audio DAC X6 - these both would suit you needs as well. I’ve used both a bit, the X6 more. I think for cheap dac/amp combos both are decent finds - the X6 is more industrial but it works well and delivers a fairly neutral sound (very initial
Impression). The SMSL I think is a nicer product, although it’s really small (surprised me when I opened it). I wouldn’t comment on the sound yet.

If you like I could spend some more time with each.

The other units are more obscure, a bunch of them hand assembled and I don’t even know their names (I don’t speak much Mandarin) - and most are tube amps.

Sorry for the poor descriptions of sound quality. I’m new to the audiophile scene and kinda finding my own way

 

[Theri0n]

I would prefer not to hear about "warm tube sound" )) So it's ok

Aune looks great, but price for gadget to be used 1-2 times a week is high. I am talking about Topping D3 and SMSL SD just because I read some good review on these under $100 DAC/amps. My main driver is LG G6 and I am going to buy such kind of phones further. I am definitely sure I have to invest at least half of LG V30+ RRP to get more or less comparable sound from desktop PC.

That FX Audio DAC X6 is also in the wish list. However I read some unpleasant reviews on it. How good it is going to be if I stream from PC by S/PDIF?

 

[easily_amused]

I haven’t tried S/PDIF yet with the X6 sorry, just USB streaming from my PC, which works great. It’s quite neutral without distortion. It’s not as good at separation and detail as my mojo, and I use the aune in preference for a more lush sound. But it’s pretty feature heavy for the price and it’s better than my motherboard, even though it has ESS dacs onboard.

 

[Theri0n]

What headphone do you use and what is impedance?

 

[HiCZoK]

Maybe Fiio e10k?

 

[Theri0n]

I would like something to drive up to 250ohm with S/PDIF input.

 

[HiCZoK]

e10k will drive more than that.
It has a high gain switch in the back if normal work mode is not enough

 

[Theri0n]

USB only limits to 96. Otherwise looks very attractive

 

[easily_amused]

I’m using Beyer T90s and Focal Elears - both get plenty of volume from the FX, but I think they’re both around 80ohms

 

[Dulalala]

I would like something to drive up to 250ohm with S/PDIF input.

Impedance≠Power.

 

[Theri0n]

Impedance≠Power.

Some of amps have output limited to 150ohm equipment. I have also got 990 Premium 250ohms. It is main driver to use with LG G6.

 

[Dulalala]

Some of amps have output limited to 150ohm equipment. I have also got 990 Premium 250ohms. It is main driver to use with LG G6.

No that's not what it means at all. It just means they recommend to use it with headphones that have less than 150 ohms. So long as enough current and voltage is supplied, which is based on the headphones sensitivity, it doesn't matter. If you take a low sensitivity headphone and plug into something that says 32-150 ohms, yet not enough current/voltage is supplied, it won't run optimally either way. It doesn't just sudden not output power once a headphone above 150 ohm is plugged in. Also, most headphones have a varying impedance at different frequency. For example, something rated at 100 ohm at 1 kHz could be 300 ohms at 500 Hz. Would the amp just not work at 500 hZ then?

 

[Theri0n]

What if I get ASUS Xonar D1/DX + Nobsound 6J9 Tube amplifier?