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nick_t
186
Jun 17, 2019
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Hi is this the best pairing with the 789 AAA ever ? Is the X Airest Audio R-2R Dac an end game dac in general at least for the price or other competing high prices dac ?
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidYes, it is. While it is not a "fully" balanced configuration, it is wired in a fully differential layout so there are inherit bonuses from said topology compared to SE. Andrew Mason has already confirmed this.
(Edited)
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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mikkol79I sure do: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-massdrop-thx-aaa-789-amp.5001/page-27 . He's pretty active and provides other technical input across the 50 or so pages.
Screenshots of his direct answer : 
DarkKratoz
50
Jun 18, 2019
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nick_tThey sell this because it's a niche product. R2R DACs can be a bit hard to find, but they're an enthusiast option. If you want an R2R DAC that can output a balanced signal into the THX 789, I'd suggest looking at the Audio-Gd website. I believe the cheapest balanced R2R option there is still $800. You'd be better off getting this for the SE output, and a balanced DAC like the Grace Designs or the Gishelli Labs for the balanced output, in my opinion.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditDifferential is not the same as balanced and THX have never claimed otherwise (they would be wrong).
The former helps prevent emissions while the latter reduces susceptibility by having symetric grounding.
I'm not knocking the 789, but let's be correct in our description.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditLiterally the first thing he says is that differential and balanced aren't the same thing.
I am not the one being misleading here.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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nick_tYou cannot make an SE topology balanced. You can provide a differential output, but given headphones have no ground, this is largely marketting.
nick_t
186
Jun 18, 2019
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DarkKratozWell is the Audio Gd the best dac can offer at least perfect compatibility with the THX 789 Amp ? Alot of people end game combo is the D1 and 789 but am not sure. I want to go for something that I can afford but somewhat worth the price justification. Where are you from ? My budget is $2000 for each dac and an amp. That means include 4 grand in total.
DarkKratoz
50
Jun 18, 2019
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nick_tIf you've got a budget of $4000, why are you looking at a $750 combo? Seems like a waste of time to me.
If I had the money and the lack of sense to spend it on headphones instead, I'd get the 789, this R2R, and the Geshelli Labs ENOG2 Pro. $950 setup, you've got clean balanced output and the interesting R2R for the SE output. Then spend the other $3000 on headphones to listen on.
Of course, a lot of people seem to argue that an SDAC and a JDS Atom is all you need, and that'd only run you around $200.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidThe 789 is not "fully" balanced throughout but has a fully differential circuit. It's even in the screenshot I provided. The THX is balanced where it matters to get all the other benefits of the differential layout as I stated.
So again, your statement that the 789 is "not balanced" is misleading. That's all.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidAnd what do you mean by headphones have no ground? This is a pretty bizarre statement unless I'm missing your context.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditThis isn't hard Jay.
789 is differential.
Differential is not balanced.
789 is not balanced.
Deal with it.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditI mean exactly what I say, a headphone has no internal ground reference, it is inherently differential.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidApparently, it must be for you: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/tear-down-of-massdrop-thx-aaa-789-headphone-amp.5327/ .
Per a comment on the page Andrew Mason liked: "I may be wrong, but the trio of op amps at the bottom left of the pic look to be summing the differential input to single ended before the volume pot (which looks to be of the 2-channel variety); after the pot, the signal looks like it’s getting converted back to differential again at the “THX” section with the quad output buffers driving the balanced phone jack. For the purists here, no, not “fully balanced” all the way through, then. Not that it really matters, given the wonderful measurements on Amir’s test bench."
So again, your statement is misleading given the information we already know.
nick_t
186
Jun 18, 2019
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DarkKratozWhat $750 combo are you talking about ? I just want the best. Also, its actually $2000. $4000 for each amp and dac. I just want the best amp and dac in the market, period with my budget. I wonder whether what is better than the 789
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquid"I mean exactly what I say, a headphone has no internal ground reference, it is inherently differential."
Headphone transducers are balanced devices, yes. But they have two wires, a hot and a ground.
You know that's not what you initially said. You clearly stated "headphones have no ground" which is incredibly misleading, as they do.
DarkKratoz
50
Jun 18, 2019
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nick_tThis DAC is $350. The THX amp is $400 (I believe). $400+$350=$750. If you want to spend $4000, why are you looking at ~$400 components? Look in other places.
Ultimately, all sound components, and how you enjoy them, are subjective. So there is no objective "Best".
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditYou keep on saying 'fully' balanced as though that is a meaningful term. A device either has symmetric ground paths and is immune to common mode intereference, or it doesn't. There's no degree in between. The 789 doesn't, it doesn't mean it's a bad amp.
A differential design like the 789 doesn't have the fundamental benefit of balanced grounding: immunity to common mode interference. It does have the benefits of being differential, but these are different (and again I'm not saying your precious 789 is a bad amp lol).
So no, quote 'liked' posts all you like from ASR(lol! Talk about the blind leading the blind), it doesn't change the fact 789 isn't balanced by Andrew's own admission and by teardown.
I don't think you understand the point I am making, hence the flailing grasps at appeals to authority. Have a read, wiki does a good job explaining 18th century physics like this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_line#Balanced_and_differential
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditThe man claiming symmetric impedance exists on a magic gradient is getting upset with my grounding terminology lol.
A device with a ground reference like an active speaker has its own ground that a signal ground can reference. Maybe in your case your head is full of grounded rocks, but most of us our heads aren't short circuited lol. So the only ground the can sees is what it gets from the cable... Aka it has no idea if the 'ground' cable is 0 V or not, it just sees the delta between it and the signal.
In this way, yes, headphones are explicitly differential because they do not have their own ground. Not balancd FFS, unless the impedance is also symmetric along the run (so for instance, not when connected to the 789, even with XLR).
(Edited)
EniGmA1987
607
Jun 18, 2019
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DarkKratozAudio-GD R2R DACs are garbage. They have a ton of distortion and bad sound overall. Would not pair well with a high end amp like the THX.
EniGmA1987
607
Jun 18, 2019
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jaydunndidditHeadphones when connected to a single ended source will just have a signal and then return on ground. When headphones are connected to a balanced output source with + and - connections (also called differential) it has no ground return, just positive and negative line for each earcup.
EniGmA1987
607
Jun 18, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidYour meaning of the word balanced and Jay's meaning of the word balanced are two different things. You are not talking about the same thing here. Jay is talking about signal lines of the audio for the circuit itself. You are talking about power balancing of current draw with respect to ground and phase.
Differential audio signals on the circuit have a positive and negative side and reject interference. This is often referred to as a balanced audio signal because it has the signal equal on both sides rather than just a hot signal line with return on the nearest ground and sharing that ground with both audio channels.
It is true that a differential audio signal does not necessarily mean it has current balance or phase balance between channels or throughout the whole amp.
(Edited)
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 19, 2019
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EniGmA1987Balanced circuits are a technical concept that has been used for decades by electrical and telecommunications engineers. Jay (and you it looks like) don't seem to understand the concept, and are using the term incorrectly. This type of BS might pass muster in the marketing department, but I take both EMC and the english language seriously.
Balanced circuits have their reputation in audio because of their ability to reject common mode interference. If the impedance to ground is not symmetrical at each stage of the non-isolated circuit then common modes will couple non-linearly and cannot be removed. Differential circuits do not exhibit this symmetry, instead they generally exhibit very low common mode coupling to other devices (as well as itself).
Seriously, go read the wiki article I already linked that explains this difference specifically between differential and balanced transmission lines. Here's another link so you have no excuse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_line#Balanced_and_differential
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 19, 2019
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EniGmA1987Without its own ground reference the headphone has no way to distinguish between the potential of the ground from the signal vs. an equivalent amplitude differential. In essence, feeding an ungrounded device like a headphone with an SE signal from 0 to 10 V is identical to a Diff signal running -5 to 5.
The transducer will see the same 10V delta in both cases, it has no 0V ground reference to compare either to. . .
mikkol79
5
Jun 19, 2019
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nick_tThis one is close.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/chord-electronics-dave-da-processor
$10500
rastus
1391
Jun 19, 2019
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nick_tGoing with totaldac; we don't have better resistors... yet...: http://www.totaldac.com/D1-twelve-eng.htm
Reality,, I have a Denafrips Ares: https://www.denafrips.com/ares
(Edited)
EniGmA1987
607
Jun 19, 2019
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GiantHeadphoneSquidYou will never, ever, have the same voltage potential from an amp on a single ended output (eg. 0-10v as you said) as the differential output (-5v to +5v) so not sure what you are trying to talk about there. the differential signal has a positive voltage above the ground reference and a negative voltage from the ground reference. These are still referenced to ground even though the ground is not connected to the headphone driver itself. Im not really sure why you think otherwise. In a single ended system, as I said before, ground is connected to the headphone driver, as it is used for return since only 1 wire has a positive voltage audio signal on it.
mikkol79
5
Jun 19, 2019
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nick_tFor exampe darko audio says so, he’s considered to be a very honest reviewer who has a fairly pragmatic approach the whole high fidelity game. Also listens to same type of music as I do, that helps.. He has a review of that dac in youtube. I’ve bought a dac, an amplifier and 2,5k speakers heavily influenced by his reviews.
And yeah, to me the Qutest seems like the sound performance per price killer at the moment in the higher end domain. Been fooling around in this hobby since 07.
(Edited)
mikkol79
5
Jun 20, 2019
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nick_tFrom my experience in scouring reviews.. No. If you need more features, like coaxial input and bluetooth.. Then I'd look at Chord's Hugo 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlfCWUbmyGE
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 20, 2019
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nick_tIf your device supports LDAC or LHDC codecs at the highest rate of 990kbps, then Bluetooth streaming is comparable to wired. It's so close, it's scary, especially given the convenience.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 20, 2019
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nick_tHonestly, under $2k, the RME ADI-2 DAC is probably your best option and clocks in at $1100 or less. Measures incredibly well, sounds great, has PEQ and other features built in as well as balanced interconnects. It also has a pretty stout and we'll sorted amp section too. Sadly, no balanced headphone output but the unit is still plenty powerful and clean. Also pairs well with the THX 789.
There are some other pure, dedicated DACs that are highly regarded but start clocking in a bit above $2k. Personally, I'd say go for the RME and put that extra cash towards a new pair of headphones.
nick_t
186
Jun 20, 2019
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jaydunndidditEither way, what is the best dac for $2000 or $2500 ? Cost per performance, somewhat endgame.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 20, 2019
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nick_tBest is very subjective, but for me, I'd put my money into the iFi Pro iDSD. It's a streamer, Bluetooth, amp SS and tube stages, remote, MQA/DSD, remote control, balanced, TONS of filters and options, etc. It is the most feature rich and future forward device I can think of. A jack of all trades and one-of-a-kind. Otherwise, if I wanted to save some cash, it'd be the RME due to features. The Mytek Brooklyn would be 3rd for it's features but I think it's a bit overpriced.
Otherwise, other well regarded DACs that are more "pure" with fewer features/filters/IO options are:
Benchmark DAC3
Auralic Vega
Gustard X26
Chord Qutest
SMSL D1
The Qutest and DAC3 would get my vote on this list for a more pure DAC if you don't need all the other features of the other units I mentioned.
(Edited)
nick_t
186
Jun 20, 2019
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jaydunndidditHow subjective ? Because I just want the best sounding for $2000-2500 period for both amp and dac for all types of headphone. What is the best regardless of all the features but I do want XLR if I want to go balanced and even single ended for more options. Some your list are way above my budget. At least $2000 and the best, period. Also what is the difference in all the list in terms of sound performance and which rated as the best followed by the least best.
rastus
1391
Jun 20, 2019
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nick_tSQ for $2K, I would simply get the Pontus: https://www.vinshineaudio.com/product-page/denafrips-pontus-r2r-dac
Edit: Sorry just saw "amp and dac"... Well then I would do the Ares as I have, and decide SS or valve with the remainder of the budget. I have a Cary 300SEI, but over budget here. Dennis Had who designed for Cary, went independent, it should be a good choice for a Tube amp: http://aornic.com/reviews/2018/6/7/dragon-inspire-iha-1
A different technology pitch for an amp: https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mz2mz2-s
Another interesting item just up on the bay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Woo-Audio-WA8-Eclipse-Portable-Tube-Amplifier-and-DAC/163727517863?hash=item261eeba8a7:g:m7oAAOSwKgZc~YfI
(Edited)
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Jun 20, 2019
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EniGmA1987You are assuming that you have a ground reference, again a headphone does not. Reread what you just wrote, and every time you say 'the ground reference' just think about what this means for a floating device like a headphone.
A floating device like a headphone has nothing but its signal cable as a ground reference. Imagine that your 'SE' headphone is subject to 1 V common mode interference, your 0 V ground reference becomes 1 V. . . the headphone no longer has any idea, but the +10 V signal is also subject this interference and becomes 11 V. The transducer sees a delta between an 11 V and a 1 V 'reference' from the cable, and produces 10 V worth of displacement.
If a differential signal is subject to the same signal, it would become +6, -4, but again because it is a differential device, the transducer will produce the delta 10 V worth of displacement.
All your transducer sees in either case is a 10 V delta, because the headphone is effectively differential in both cases, despite an SE cable being used in the first scenario.
The absurdity of your claim is apparent in this statement: 'These are still referenced to ground even though the ground is not connected to the headphone driver itself.'
Please, explain to me how something 'references' ground without being electrically connected. I can wait lol.
(Edited)
rastus
1391
Jun 21, 2019
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nick_tHonestly, "best" is undefinable here, but I, making the choices again with this budget, would go the ladder route with the Ares, and if the new amps by Dennis, are on par with his past efforts,, bliss... usb cables matter btw, get a nice split and an LPS when you can.
Chance for a deal: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denafrips-Ares-R-2R-Digital-Audio-Converter-DAC/233264215425?hash=item364fa17581:g:JzAAAOSwN1Fc7Fzf
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 21, 2019
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nick_tIn short, features. Any amp or DAC once it hits a certain point should be transparent/neutral and not impart any color to the sound. Some however, color the sound tastefully to the users liking (ie tubes, hybrids, etc).
Some are just pure amp or DACs, other offer bluetooth and streaming, a plethora of IO options, remote controls, preamp, etc.
So what's better will highly boil down to the individual and their current system and how they want it to grow. Same with their headphone/loudspeakers and how all the separate components will sound together.
nick_t
186
Jun 21, 2019
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jaydunndidditAny end game standalone amplifier and dac, like the perfect compatible audio setup for each 2 grand. I like as many features as possible. There are too many people on this forum in the audiophile community suggesting many brands and models to the point it led to confusion and too many good choices.
rastus
1391
Jun 22, 2019
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nick_tWell, yes, what I am recommending within your $ limits, is “best” for me... and many others. You will be seeing more r-2r dac’s as folks realize (again) what life-like reproduced music actually sounds like. The tube side is true, most ss has so much filtering and feedback “correction” that we took the life out; baby thrown out with the bath water, but everything is clean! I will still be getting a ss amp, either the thx here or perhaps the audio-gd he-9. Tubes really come into play for us with vocals, we are always unconsciously judging, real or recorded? The best ss are simply trying to emulate tube’s intrinsic capabilities. For fast & hard synth stuff ss works well.
What jaydunndiddit said ditto, it’s a balance between color & cleansing, whilst trying to faithfully reproduce.
(Edited)
nick_t
186
Jun 22, 2019
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rastusI really have no idea, because so many people recommend so many different brands to the point have no idea what is the difference in sound, cannot judge because have not tried. I only can evaluate with my own hearing. I do understand your description. What is your choice for SS and Tube amp and dac. Also, standalone or combo for you ? Can you suggest one SS and tube as well as dac for me as the best under $2500, all standalone. That would be almost 6 grand in total which means. That is too much money, I cannot go more than 2500 grand already )
rastus
1391
Jun 22, 2019
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nick_tIf,, you want to hear it,, you can’t compromise too much... you simply won’t get to that plateau... the one I’m currently chillin’ on that is, there are more,, and it seems you are determined,, been there,, good now for a bit;)
If you currently have a dac, buy Dennis’s new design, I have his old one. Get it with the Lundahl’s, tubes can be upgraded later as cables etc., and then go after the eBay Ares r-2r dac if you can nab it. I checked and you have the hd6xx cans to feed, so good there. All three dac/tube/ss for $2.5k gets you a lot of compromise... you are asking for straight talk...
(Edited)
nick_t
186
Jun 22, 2019
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rastusWoah, how on earth do you know I have HD6XX cans ? What do you mean by I cannot compromise too much ? Wont get to what plateau ? Is it end game and perfect audio for the pursuit ? Also, how do you know I have HD6XX ? What compromise if I go for tube/SS/dac for under $2500 ? I really dont understand. My problem is that many people in the community recommend different amp and dac brands all the time, giving me a hard time to choose. What is the end game amp and dac for 2500.
rastus
1391
Jun 22, 2019
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nick_tUnder your profile click products, some lock this, mostly the trolls, I leave mine open, if you are commenting here or asking folks to opine, I think you should leave it open. It should be optional though, to be selective about sharing your underwear preferences etc.
Yes, an amp like the Dragon and a dac such as the Ares can be “end game”.
End game dac& @ $2.5K... a mirage...
The plateau, wrote about it here (hate typing): https://drop.com/talk/80/what-was-your-ah-ha-moment-in-becoming-an-audiophile/1939433
After this, I got the Cary 300SEI and the Elex; this got me a nice comfy chair along with a bong and a blintz for the plateau...
(Edited)
rastus
1391
Jun 22, 2019
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nick_tThe Cary was used from factory, double ups used, split Gemini usb used, optical Corning usb eBay lot reseller, Silver Dragon cable used, Pangea power cables used, lps from China, so saved a bit on most everything. From Elex to the plug inclusive ~ $6-7K; double-conversion UPS > pachyderm power cables > DSD-Audivarna-PC > USB/ Corning Optical-Gemini/LPS > Denafrips Ares > Oyaide AZ-910 > Cary CAD-300SEI w/PB300 > Silver Dragon > Focal/MD Elex's.
(Edited)
rastus
1391
Jun 23, 2019
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nick_tIn that rig there is only one dac and one amp, the Ares and the 300SEI. I was showing the entire “signal chain”. With bad links or noise insertion, the best dac or amp performance gets pulled down by the poorest performing links. This is the true cost, something that is not often totaled up...
You are asking for the ever elusive “end game” here for just the dac & amp. I am a proponent of this actually, as it does save time and money. It will take you more quickly, to the real challenge then, of finding great recordings. You did not make the “journey” go away, you will just have foreshortened it with the selection of the major components you may not need to replace, never is end game, and saved some bucks.
DSD 5.6 native capability is part of “end game”, in choosing whatever dac you end up with.
I will look again at just the dac & amp @ hard $2.5K budget, “near end game”;)
(Edited)
nick_t
186
Jun 23, 2019
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rastusI have no idea, you showing many amp and dac names assuming you own all of them. I just want to know one amp (SS and Tube each) and a dac. That would be all. So only 3, also have no idea why you own so many, dont expect me to know all the names. I assume Focal is an amp but its a headphone. Too many people recommend to many different amp and dac standalone so its not that I dont believe you, just confuse. Is your setup each for under $2500 as well ?
rastus
1391
Jun 24, 2019
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nick_tI am back in camp with jaydunndiddit on this; the Swiss jackknife of headphone dac/amps/BT/WiFi streamer.... it's endless.... the iFi Pro iDSD will give you a plateau access pass, yours that is hopefully, and be quite, quite future-proof. Here you are looking at a total-solution, "end game" answer, as one can state, today @ $2.5K.
Having DSD1024,, for today,, is one definition of future-proof. A second truly future-proof feature is tube rolling, otherwise known as wallet rolling...
You will need to go here and download some of your fav at the highest resolution available in DSD or FLAC if you don't have them,, or you just spent $2.5K for naught: https://store.acousticsounds.com/c/391/DSD_Downloads
Here you can get new artist's recorded in DSD: https://bluecoastmusic.com/Meghan-andrews/fire-single#.W8aozKQpDYU
Buy Roon $$$ or Audivarna $$ for PC/Mac music file management if you dont have player software already: https://audirvana.com
Or foobar2000 if you want to really play around, it's free, party time: https://www.foobar2000.org/
Ref:https://www.marantz.co.uk/DocumentMaster/UK/Marantz_DAC_White_Paper_30102018.pdf
The version with the 4.4mm jack being $250 more seemed odd on Amazon, until I saw the spec, they did something there in the amp section. So if you and afford it go for the 4.4mm version, someone may have at some other site for ≤$2.5K:
Output power
Pro iDSD 4.4mm socket. (16 Ω, balanced/single-ended): >4200mW /1>1,575mW
Pro iDSD 2.5mm socket. (16 Ω, balanced/single-ended): >4000mW /1>1,500mW
https://ifi-audio.com/products/pro-idsd/
Amazon $2.5K:
https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Audio-iDSD-Music-Streamer/dp/B07C54B88P?th=1
(Edited)
nick_t
186
Jun 24, 2019
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rastusMay I know why many people recommend different amp and dac with all kind of prices ? Even you have different recommendation previously. Answer this, very generic question probably silly, the higher the cost of the audio equipment particularly with amp and dac, the better the sound performance will be but not by a sonic difference, right ? What the heck is the difference with various brands at similar price ? Also, how much is your standalone amp and dac ?
rastus
1391
Jun 24, 2019
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nick_tHi Nick,
Yes, there is real value in paying more for hardware and software that takes the sound quality forward,, to whatever level you perceive as perfection. How to get there, well there is no one path in design practice,, anywhere... thus you will always see different hardware and software solutions in pursuit of perfect music and song reproduction; none all right / nor none all wrong. I am responding to your perseverance in pushing for an "all-in-one-end-game-solution" at $2.5K, all good, it's a challenge puzzle~game as I look at it.
This is in there with asking 'what would you bring to the 'deserted island' with a budget of only $2.5K, and you will have to live with that dsp/dac/amp rig, "player" also applies here with an SD - card though not DSD native capable from there (why iFi?), forever as your "end-game-solution" till death do you part, in sickness (MP3 upsample it) and in health (DSD 5.6 native)... the last $2.5k wish for sonic bliss into (your) eternity on this mortal plane, your little island, with no hope of upgrades (cute segway back into the plateau thing, you get the drift;) iFi Pro iDSD looks like the fit.
(Edited)
jaydunndiddit
3262
Jun 24, 2019
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nick_tIn short, all gear will play with different gear in various ways. Some pair better together than others depending on personal preference and what headphones/IEMs/loudspeakers are being driven. That's why their isn't a definitive, best endgame setup due to those factors and the sound signature you personally prefer. Because I haven't asked, what is your current setup and what headphones are you using? That'll help determine what makes the most sense for your situation as folks give recommendations.
Also, some folks love tubes and a warmer character, others love a truer, more analytical reference sound from solid state amps. DACs have a wild array of features and depending on the files you own or stream will determine what the DAC needs to be able to natively play back.
This is all very high level, but that's the gist of it all. If you're powering something like the 6XX, as long as your amp is able to provide enough power to not clip into whatever driven load, you're golden. Beyond that, you want the cleanest amp your budget allows for with whatever feature set appeals most to you. I have several different stations depending where I am: a work setup, my home and bedroom setup, a portable rig for travel and another setup for biking and exercise. They all fit my needs and lifestyle but that doesn't mean they would fit your needs despite all the equipment technically being overkill and more than enough to meet my eclectic scenarios.
Also, cost has nothing to do with sound quality. Even at $100, there are units that out thousand dollar units to shame. Seriously. They typically lack in build and features but if you're looking for the best sound without overspending or chasing boutqiue products, you have a plethora of options. Which is why I suggested you buy as much as you need filetype, IO options, and feature wise, and with that saved money invest in nicer/more headphones. And when you get to that point of chasing that last little 5-10% of "endgame" equipment, cross that bridge when you get to that point.
(Edited)
rastus
1391
Jul 6, 2019
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rossoAgreed,, I would like to know,, It would also provide insight, were drop to truly consider a balanced design that perhaps, just perchance,,, also had native DSD support tossed in... why I don’t own an Airist.
Ares is not nos, you have to move up a level.
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