[legion1capone]

I am wanting to take the next step up with my DAC. I'm currently using the Aune X1S+XP1 and it sounds fantastic with the liquid spark. But alas this hobby and rabbit hole. There must be something better lol. I'm considering the Topping D50 at the moment. Will it be a substantial step up? Is there something cheaper that would give me the same level of peformance as the X1S? I'm not only looking for an upgrade for myself but to be able to give my closest friends good recommendations that is better and a lower cost of what I currently have. If that makes sense.

 

[PurpleAngel]

So I'm assuming you want to buy something that costs more then the Aune X1S
Budget?

And your friend wants something as good as the Aune X1S, but that costs less

Sell your friend the Aune X1S

Check out Audio-GD
http://www.audio-gd.com/Products-EN.htm

 

[legion1capone]

Yes I don't mind spending the money if it's reasonable. I will likely be selling a few unused pieces of gear at this point. To further fund new purchases lol.

I know filters can play a big role in how a dac sounds. I'm looking for something that has a solid grip on bass, sub bass pressence is nice but not totally necessary, mids are wear its at lol, and I like a detailed but smooth treble region with air. Details and texture probably stand out and grab me the most. A natural cohesive presentation of the music. I doubt this helps any lol. I don't care for dry, symbolent, thin, analytical sound signatures.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Yes I don't mind spending the money if it's reasonable. I will likely be selling a few unused pieces of gear at this point. To further fund new purchases lol.
I know filters can play a big role in how a dac sounds. I'm looking for something that has a solid grip on bass, sub bass pressence is nice but not totally necessary, mids are wear its at lol, and I like a detailed but smooth treble region with air. Details and texture probably stand out and grab me the most. A natural cohesive presentation of the music. I doubt this helps any lol. I don't care for dry, symbolent, thin, analytical sound signatures.

I think you expect more from a DAC, then what a DAC is suppose to do.
To me DACs are more about clarity, or warmth, or a combo of both.

For bass, mids, vocals, treble, sound stage, surround sound, etc
That more features effected by the headphones you get, or your EQ settings.

I've never played with jumper settings on a DAC, so not sure what to say on that.

Check out the Audio-GD's NFB R2R 11 DAC/amp.
http://www.audio-gd.com/R2R/R2R11/R2R11EN.htm

 

[legion1capone]

All I know is switching back and forth between the x1s and ol dac. The x1s has the magic and the ol dac doesn't. The ol dac does nothing wrong and I agree with clarity/warmth differences. The ol dac is smoother sounding overall and I find it didn't matter what headphones I had hooked up. The tonal change was obviously consistent. The extra sparkle and crispness of the highs was gone, I felt less definition in the bass and the music didn't sound bad at all but didn't grab my attention and make me go damn. Switch to the x1s and Bam, instantly get the above feeling and sound. So that's why I'm asking all of you about the next step up. Or if I even need to upgrade. I know the only real way to know is with my own wars and wallet.

 

[PurpleAngel]

All I know is switching back and forth between the x1s and ol dac. The x1s has the magic and the ol dac doesn't. The ol dac does nothing wrong and I agree with clarity/warmth differences. The ol dac is smoother sounding overall and I find it didn't matter what headphones I had hooked up. The tonal change was obviously consistent. The extra sparkle and crispness of the highs was gone, I felt less definition in the bass and the music didn't sound bad at all but didn't grab my attention and make me go damn. Switch to the x1s and Bam, instantly get the above feeling and sound. So that's why I'm asking all of you about the next step up. Or if I even need to upgrade. I know the only real way to know is with my own wars and wallet.

The OL DAC is a DAC only, while the Aune X1S is a DAC/amp
So how is the OL DAC driving your headphones?
What headphones do you own or are planning on buying in the near future?
So far I'm not seeing a real need for you to replace the Aune X1S, as you like the sound from it.

 

[legion1capone]

I'm using my liquid spark to power my headphones from both. I am quite aware the ol dac is a dac only. Using optical in from my PC with both listening through tidal playing hifi and masters recordings.

 

[PurpleAngel]

I'm using my liquid spark to power my headphones from both. I am quite aware the ol dac is a dac only. Using optical in from my PC with both listening through tidal playing hifi and masters recordings.

Did not realize the Liquid Spark was a headphone amplifier