[kubas246]

Hello! I'm looking for new DAC/AMP combo or separate DAC and AMP for my headphones. It will be paired with Fostex TH-610. One of features important to me is full unfold of MQA, good 70% of music I listen to is streamed from Tidal and as far as I heard full unfold MQA makes a big difference here.
I will use this setup for music rock (hard rock, pop rock, progressive rock), metal, but in lesser degree to many different genres (basically most of stuff, except classical or country music). I will also use this setup for gaming (good sound imaging is necessary).

I know that SMSL M500 is using a better chip (ESS9038Pro), but it also tends to get quite hot during work (45C). However what will be better here for my use and TH-610 headphones? Or maybe I should just chill and take iFi Zen Dac for half the price as it will do good job too?

 

[shaitan667]

How much of what you listen to is actually available in MQA?

Alot of the metal I listen to isn't MQA. Not that MQA is the be all and end all. It's another proprietary lossy compression codec.

 

[Telin]

I seriously doubt you will hear the difference in a proper blind test.
Just go for the one that has all the features you seek for the best price you can get it for.