[chesebert]

Did you listen to one in person? Are you rack mounting these? If yes, I think Weiss comes in rack mount.

 

[Radphone14]

I'll be honest. I find the thx 789 and my topping e20 to be more than sufficient, the combo is under 300$ can anyone tell me any combos that knock this out of the water?

 

[chesebert]

Emm Labs Dac2xv2 and Headamp GSX will leave your setup in the dust. The level of difference is one you simply cannot even comprehend.

low end -> entry level -> mid-fi -> hi-fi -> high end -> ultra high end.

Your setup is at low end...maybe entry level. There is nothing wrong with low end/entry level gear. Some people simply cannot hear the difference or don't care.

 

[Radphone14]

"Emm Labs Dac2xv2 and Headamp GSX will leave your setup in the dust. The level of difference is one you simply cannot even comprehend.

low end -> entry level -> mid-fi -> hi-fi -> high end -> ultra high end.

Your setup is at low end...maybe entry level. There is nothing wrong with low end/entry level gear. Some people simply cannot hear the difference or don't care."

Any combos that can bring me to the mid to hi fi level and beyond for up to 1k? Specifically a combo that pairs excellent with the HD 800s?

 

[chesebert]

Any combos that can bring me to the mid to hi fi level and beyond for up to 1k? Specifically a combo that pairs excellent with the HD 800s?

Too many low end/budget fi pretending to be mid fi at this price point, I would chase down a used Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac or Ayre USB dac or their CDP at this price point. There are many other choices I just haven't spent much time at this price point TBH.

 

[chesebert]

Also that THX 789 is just an opamp-based amplifier - I suppose it's fine for budget fi. Schiit makes decent discrete mid-fi headphone amps.

 

[whitefang]

They are pretty excited about the Weiss DAC501:


Later in the video they say that the 502 is just wider. But I see a XLR 4pin port also on the 502. If thats the only difference I am going for the small one.

I do now know how your thread went from $2500 to $4500 and now you are talking about Weiss 501/502 which is way over $4500

Anyway, if it is with your budget, I will give the Weiss DAC my highest recommendation.
Just get it and forget about the rest.
And there is a newer 4ch version of Weiss 501/502.

 

[chesebert]

I do now know how your thread went from $2500 to $4500 and now you are talking about Weiss 501/502 which is way over $4500

Anyway, if it is with your budget, I will give the Weiss DAC my highest recommendation.
Just get it and forget about the rest.
And there is a newer 4ch version of Weiss 501/502.

There was a used 502 on Agon for $6500. Should have gotten that and forget about DAC for a decade. I think right around that $10k MSRP price, Weiss, Meitner, Linn and MSB would be my top picks. Weiss is probably the bargain at $10k with integrated streamer, digital EQ and bunch of other stuff.

 

[OCC7N]

I have not tested weiss yet. But I am trying to justify the price first. Its over my budget I can not lie. But I like everything in the DAC501(inputs/outputs)

Maybe I need something midrange for now, then save money for weiss or maybe emm.

….I need some time to think about a good solution for my whole system. I just bought ATC SCM40A instead of the passive solution.

 

[Radphone14]

Holy cow Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac is still 2-3k range. I'm hoping for a reasonable mid to higher tear amp/dac setup for up to 1k. I suppose at that price point such a thing cannot be found?

 

[iamoneagain]

Holy cow Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac is still 2-3k range. I'm hoping for a reasonable mid to higher tear amp/dac setup for up to 1k. I suppose at that price point such a thing cannot be found?

What about a Chord Mojo 2?

 

[chesebert]

Holy cow Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac is still 2-3k range. I'm hoping for a reasonable mid to higher tear amp/dac setup for up to 1k. I suppose at that price point such a thing cannot be found?

Be patient. I have seen them go for $1k range. The good news is that this will delay your FOMO for a long time because any upgrade will likely be prohibitively expensive to you ($5k+ min) that you will have no choice but to settle down and enjoy your gear

 

[Radphone14]

Yeah. Great advice so far thank you. 2 Last questions.

1. Is Mojo 2 really that much of an upgrade over a Topping E20/THX 789 combo?
2. How about keeping my dac and using a Bottlehead Crack?

 

[chesebert]

What about a Chord Mojo 2?

Good portable solution and can be a desktop replacement in a pinch. Chord's kilobucks solution is decent if you only buy new.

 

[Radphone14]

Yeah I don't necessarily need portable. Just improved sound resolution and help with my 800 S low end. I also don't want to hold it back in anyway and let it shine the way it is meant to.