Topping tp31 vs. Topping tp21 + external DAC

[jcroft25]

Hi, 
I'm new to the audio set ups. I was looking to getting a new desktop amp to power some bookshelf speakers. I was thinking about the topping tp31 since I has a built in DAC, Amp and headphone amp. But I was concerned the internal DAC might not be the best, but it is very compact and I like that. The tp21 has more power and less imputes but I was thinking about pairing it with the Fiio E10 for the DAC. This would be a more expensive set up but if you feel its near equivalent in sound quality then I'll just stay with the tp31. This would be my first DAC and Amp so I wasn't going to go high end just yet. 
 
And for application I would be using audio from my computer mostly all lossless, and I'd like to hook my game console up to the amp and I'd like to use my headphones grado sr60 with it as well 
 

 

[haineux]

I was just looking at this. Parts Express has it for about $150.
 
The item lists its main components:
Digital to analog conversion is handled by a Cirrus Logic CS8416 digital audio receiver and a Texas Instruments PCM1793 DAC. Converted signal is sent to a Burr-Brown OPA2134 SoundPlus op amp. Amplification is handled by Tripath TA2024B that creates up to 15 watts per channel of power. Headphone amplification delivers up to 100 mW into a 32-ohm load. Inside you will find an ALPS potentiometer, TOKO inductors, Siemans, Panasonic, and Nichicon capacitors, and KOA resistors, and a Panasonic power relay.
(I edited the ad copy to elide the superlatives.) Includes 110-220VAC to 12VDC@3A switching power supply.
 
So, sounds like good stuff for a small, inexpensive box.The only "downside" is that the digital in is COAX only.
 
I'm tempted to get their ~$100 TP-30, which has a slightly less fancy DAC but uses the more-common USB in.
 
The big question is obviously, "How does it sound?" The price will only make it sound better!

 

[trog]

What bookies are you looking to pair with those amps? I have a slightly dated TA2020 + Fiio E7 set up mated with 89dB Polks and for cans i alternate between JVC RX700/Superlux 668B and am very pleased with the set up

I went with the E7 because i really needed the portability (used with lappie/mobile devices *and* desktop) but if u don't perhaps PCI/PCIe sound cards with headphone amp section is also to be considered? By the way why not consider the TP22?
http://hifion.com/dac-amplifiers/topping/topping-tp22-t-amp-tk2050-tc2000-tp2050-digital-amplifier.html