[LazyCableGuy]

I know that this is old thread but still maybe someone can help me. 
I`m choosing between: Asus Xonar Essence STU vs Maverick Audio D1?  Any ideas or suggestions?
 
I do have BD-880 600 ohm headphones. So i am looking for external DAC with decent headphone amp for general desktop use: gaming, flac music listening etc...
I do have active monitors. 
 
May main concern is:
 
Maverick Audio D1 - Chinese clone, does that reflect sound/build quality? 
 
Asus Xonar Essence STU - nice spec and "flashy looking", but specks  is not everything... i just have a feeling that this is not high end consumer grade product...
 
Maybe i should go with something like: Steinberg UR44 + dedicated Superlux HA3D Headphone amp?
 
In older days i had my own band recording studio, but i mowed away from that few years back. 
Worked with: RME HDSP-9632, Tascam FW-1884 and etc.
 
Now just looking for proper external DAC with decent Headphone amp to drive 600 ohm headphones in price range of: 300€-400€ (400$-500$) 
 
Thanks,

 

[milosingh]

In your budget the STU should beat most/all rivals.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I know that this is old thread but still maybe someone can help me. 
I`m choosing between: Asus Xonar Essence STU vs Maverick Audio D1?  Any ideas or suggestions?
I do have BD-880 600 ohm headphones. So i am looking for external DAC with decent headphone amp for general desktop use: gaming, flac music listening etc...
I do have active monitors. 
May main concern is:
Maverick Audio D1 - Chinese clone, does that reflect sound/build quality? 
Asus Xonar Essence STU - nice spec and "flashy looking", but specks  is not everything... i just have a feeling that this is not high end consumer grade product...
Maybe i should go with something like: Steinberg UR44 + dedicated Superlux HA3D Headphone amp?
In older days i had my own band recording studio, but i mowed away from that few years back. 
Worked with: RME HDSP-9632, Tascam FW-1884 and etc.
Now just looking for proper external DAC with decent Headphone amp to drive 600 ohm headphones in price range of: 300€-400€ (400$-500$) 

 
Audio-GD NFB-11, external DAC/amp, around 368 Euros (product + shipping).
Audio-GD will claim a low price with the shipper, so any import tax should be no more the 20-30 Euros.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB112014/NFB112014EN.htm