Hi guys,
I've been trying to choose a DAC/amp combo unit but am currently stuck between 4:
1] AUNE X1 24bit 192kHz USB DAC Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUNE-X1-24bit-192kHz-USB-DAC-Headphone-Amp-preamp-PCM1793-WM8805-/261362313250?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3cda686822]
- Seems like a very nice little unit. The thing I was not able to find is output power into individual ohm loads, but according to people it is powerful enough to drive pretty much any dynamic headphone.
I am not too sure about the DAC section [PCM1793] but it seems Ok.
2] [2014] MATRIX M-Stage HPA-2 USB DAC + Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-MATRIX-M-Stage-HPA-2-USB-Headphone-Amp-24Bit-192kHz-ASIO-PCM1793-LME49720-/251412155857?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a89550dd1]
- I am pretty sure this thing has the best amp section of all four, it is also the most expensive one.
Again though, the DAC section is a bit off-putting maybe [1793, only an extra 50 pounds for it vs. a standalone amp] but I am not really experienced enough to comment on DAC implementations/sections. It's also USB only [but that doesn't matter that nuch]
3] Topping D3 [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topping-D3-24Bit-192kHz-USB-Optical-Coaxial-BNC-DAC-Headphone-Amp-Black-Silver-/251412126145?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a895499c1]
- This looks like a very nice DAC/amp. Also is the lone one to have a BNC input. Has a very powerful amp section and what seems like a good DAC [CS4398] for the price.
There is also some good feedback for it around here so that's encouraging :]
4] SMSL SD-650 Hi End DAC Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-SD-650-Hi-End-DAC-Headphone-Amp-Coaxial-Optical-Toslink-USB-SD650-/251412112372?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a895463f4]
- I really don't know what to think about this one... It all looks like a very good package, with a strong amp [OPA2604, 200mW @300ohms] and good DAC [CS4398] and very good other parts [DIR9001].
On the other hand it seems like a small Chinese company with one [suspiciously] positive and one negative [DOA] review on Amazon... But if it is made well, it seems very good indeed...
They all seem like a very good DAC/amp units for an affordable price, with the M-stage being a bit more expensive than the rest.
I'll be using them with the K612 Pros primarily [or possibly K701s not decided yet... one of the two :]] but also with the MA900s, X1s and W1000Xs. All full-size, no IEMs, requiring little to a significant amount of voltage/current and a somewhat decent DAC.
Sources will be my PC via USB, PS3 [DSS transmitter for gaming, so only the amp section here] and outs of various DAPs, etc.
FLAC files mostly, some MP3s 128 - 320kbs
USB and line-in [RCAs] inputs are a must.
If you guys have any other recommendations, I am free for suggestions. The DAC/amp has to be available within EU for a similar price.
Any help/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Luke
I've been trying to choose a DAC/amp combo unit but am currently stuck between 4:
1] AUNE X1 24bit 192kHz USB DAC Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUNE-X1-24bit-192kHz-USB-DAC-Headphone-Amp-preamp-PCM1793-WM8805-/261362313250?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3cda686822]
- Seems like a very nice little unit. The thing I was not able to find is output power into individual ohm loads, but according to people it is powerful enough to drive pretty much any dynamic headphone.
I am not too sure about the DAC section [PCM1793] but it seems Ok.
2] [2014] MATRIX M-Stage HPA-2 USB DAC + Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2014-MATRIX-M-Stage-HPA-2-USB-Headphone-Amp-24Bit-192kHz-ASIO-PCM1793-LME49720-/251412155857?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a89550dd1]
- I am pretty sure this thing has the best amp section of all four, it is also the most expensive one.
Again though, the DAC section is a bit off-putting maybe [1793, only an extra 50 pounds for it vs. a standalone amp] but I am not really experienced enough to comment on DAC implementations/sections. It's also USB only [but that doesn't matter that nuch]
3] Topping D3 [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topping-D3-24Bit-192kHz-USB-Optical-Coaxial-BNC-DAC-Headphone-Amp-Black-Silver-/251412126145?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a895499c1]
- This looks like a very nice DAC/amp. Also is the lone one to have a BNC input. Has a very powerful amp section and what seems like a good DAC [CS4398] for the price.
There is also some good feedback for it around here so that's encouraging :]
4] SMSL SD-650 Hi End DAC Headphone Amp [http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMSL-SD-650-Hi-End-DAC-Headphone-Amp-Coaxial-Optical-Toslink-USB-SD650-/251412112372?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item3a895463f4]
- I really don't know what to think about this one... It all looks like a very good package, with a strong amp [OPA2604, 200mW @300ohms] and good DAC [CS4398] and very good other parts [DIR9001].
On the other hand it seems like a small Chinese company with one [suspiciously] positive and one negative [DOA] review on Amazon... But if it is made well, it seems very good indeed...
They all seem like a very good DAC/amp units for an affordable price, with the M-stage being a bit more expensive than the rest.
I'll be using them with the K612 Pros primarily [or possibly K701s not decided yet... one of the two :]] but also with the MA900s, X1s and W1000Xs. All full-size, no IEMs, requiring little to a significant amount of voltage/current and a somewhat decent DAC.
Sources will be my PC via USB, PS3 [DSS transmitter for gaming, so only the amp section here] and outs of various DAPs, etc.
FLAC files mostly, some MP3s 128 - 320kbs
USB and line-in [RCAs] inputs are a must.
If you guys have any other recommendations, I am free for suggestions. The DAC/amp has to be available within EU for a similar price.
Any help/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Luke
