[iFi audio]

IFi xDSD Gryphon, used. There is no good desktop DAC/amp at that price. You might as well get a decent portable.

Thanks for mentioning our xDSD Gryphon. The feedback we got is that it works really well with Meze Liric. Since these aren't difficult to drive, ZEN DAC V2 would work well for them as a budget option I think.

There isn’t some meaningful sound quality difference with balanced over single ended.

As with most things in audio, it depends

If you have i.e. a truly balanced DAC, getting a balanced amp for it isn't a bad idea. Many amps designed as fully balanced perform better when they're used as such. So if I were to buy myself an amp or DAC, I'd take a good long look at what I already have. Hope this helps, thanks!

 

[mcconnel]

Schitt Jot 2 used is $375. Modius DAC is $150 used. That's only 25 bucks over budget.

Thoughts?

 

[obzilla]

Schitt Jot 2 used is $375. Modius DAC is $150 used. That's only 25 bucks over budget.

Thoughts?

Check out topping as well. I think they have a couple all in ones that would tick your boxes.
If you're going to get a Jot, can't you get it with the DAC included?

 

[obzilla]

As with most things in audio, it depends

Maybe, in the case you have a high end fully balanced amp with an afterthought horrible SE implementation, sure. But a 'good enough to drive Meze lyrics balanced or SE' of comparable quality, no, doesn't depend.

 

[mcconnel]

I have a Jot2 with the DAC card on the line for 375.

Im really torn on the balanced cable.

 

[obzilla]

Hey, get what makes you happy. A jot will take that balanced cable and you'll probably never go past 10 o'clock on it... power for days and days.

 

[AleksanderWWA89]

Maybe brand new FiiO k9?
https://www.fiio.com/k9
Should be around 500

 

[jroseCT]

If you can eke out a little more of a budget, I would go with a Lyr+ — a significant jump over the Asgard for the money.