[DBaldock9]

In your home system, do you use a separate DAC and Headphone Amp, or a combined DAC/Amp?
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I'm wanting to end up with a Balanced Output (probably 4-pin XLR) type of Amp - something like the Matrix M-Stage HPA-3B, the xDuoo TA-20, or a DIY model from @xrk971.
To drive those amps, I'd want a Dual DAC, with Balanced 3-pin XLR outputs.
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The alternate would be to get a DAC w/Balanced Amp, like the Gustard A20H, GoldenWave GD-02, or a Topping DX7s.
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Do you have any recommendations for Balanced output AK4497 or ES9038PRO DACs, or other fully Balanced (input to output) Amps (w/Volume Control) that I should consider?
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Thanks!

 

[seanwee]

Nice set of impressions @seanwee. Just wondering if you've had a chance to listen to the DX200 with fully discrete Amp 8 that just came out? Curious how it stacks up against the N8's best in class soundstage

Sadly I've only heard the DX200 with AMP1. There will be a av expo here in a few days so hopefully there will be an Amp 8 available at ibasso's booth.

 

[xrk971]

When I need balanced out I use my Focusrite 2i4 which has single and balanced outputs. It also has a nice DAC that goes up to maximum speeds. I use it connected to my PC laptop. Lately I have been using single ended output amps and find that they work just fine and lots of power.

My latest amp is DC coupled SE Class A that puts out over 1w with almost no distortion. More info here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/grou...ormance-dc-coupled-class-hpa-sub-ppm-thd.html

I have a new project with eight OPA1688 headphone opamps in parallel as buffer stage and driven by another OPA1688 and it has a theoretical part per billion THD. Capable of 2.5wrms into 32ohms or 1w into 8ohms and no distortion. I have never simulated an amp with no distortion before - it’s kind of amazing actually. This one is really compact and has built in DC-DC converter and ultra low noise PSU.

More here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/head...cheap-chips-opa1688-low-thd-muscle-amp-2.html

Here is predicted FFT for 28Vpp into 50ohms:

Schematic (there are qnty 4x OPA1688 (8 opamps) per channel. These are only $1.5ea but capable of astounding performance.

 

[majo123]

She's great, but I do wonder why someone this good is not keeping time click time on the hi-hat when riding? It's so first year and she's clearly well beyond first anything on zee skins.

That must've been a deep YT hole to come across her

Hey I know as much about drums as I do open heart surgery , but it was obviously clear to me she was talented.... here's her "carry on wayward son" cover ... awesome.


Honestly this girl has covered loads of hits on YouTube

 

[OldDude04]

Here is a sweet deal for $10. A Bluetooth aptX capable portable DAC/Amp from Brookstone.

 

[Martin Howell]

Here is a sweet deal for $10. A Bluetooth aptX capable portable DAC/Amp from Brookstone.

I have one of these, use it as a Bluetooth receiver plugged in via coax to my Modi 2 DAC or as a USB DAC on my laptop, very capable as both. A great little box of tricks for the price.

 

[OldDude04]

I have one of these, use it as a Bluetooth receiver plugged in via coax to my Modi 2 DAC or as a USB DAC on my laptop, very capable as both. A great little box of tricks for the price.

It really is. I just got a Schiit SYS and I'll be able to add the Big Blue into my chain as a Bluetooth receiver as well.

 

[Martin Howell]

It really is. I just got a Schiit SYS and I'll be able to add the Big Blue into my chain as a Bluetooth receiver as well.

The only downside to it from my point of view is that it doesn't remember the output volume it was last set to and so you have to turn the Bluetooth receiver up to maximum everytime you turn it on. It is also still then quieter than a USB input into my Modi 2 meaning the amp has to have the volume changed accordingly when swapping between the two inputs. Don't want to annoy the neighbours or blow out my IEMs by accident!

 

[barondla]

Have a Big Blue also. Nice little unit. No brainer for $10. Might get a second one. Build a balanced stack out of them.

 

[HungryPanda]

out of stock now

 

[OldDude04]

They went pretty fast, but I didn't think they'd last long at $10.

 

[KEV G]

Almost as fast as the Brazilians......

 

[OldDude04]

For some reason, they are back in stock, click HERE.

 

[HungryPanda]

still showing out of stock

 

[OldDude04]

still showing out of stock

Still shows as available for me. I'm using Chrome on a Windows 10 PC if that helps.