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keyboard_arrow_downmindhead1
599
Jun 9, 2018
I’ll throw in my $0.02.
I have an Aune X1S/X7S stack and love it. If you catch a Massdrop you can get that stack for $400.
If I’m looking to save few dollars I would go Aune X7S amp and a JDS Labs OL DAC. You’ll get a powerful balanced Class A amp and a well put together objective DAC. For around $350.
The Aune X1S is quite nice in its own right. A great DAC and a pretty good Amp for around $200. This is a very nice all in one unit that I highly recommend.
I have an Aune X1S/X7S stack and love it. If you catch a Massdrop you can get that stack for $400.
If I’m looking to save few dollars I would go Aune X7S amp and a JDS Labs OL DAC. You’ll get a powerful balanced Class A amp and a well put together objective DAC. For around $350.
The Aune X1S is quite nice in its own right. A great DAC and a pretty good Amp for around $200. This is a very nice all in one unit that I highly recommend.
DRHamp
9
Dec 3, 2017
ifi Micro iDSD for portable use
Fostex HPA4BL - it's $479 on Amazon but has balanced output and is awesome. If this is too far out of your range, then the Audio-GD R2R11
Yosho
26
Nov 29, 2017
I own Objective 2 and IFI Micro IDSD Black Label.
I can recommend ifi - great for desktop and portable use very good quality with nice 3D and Bass boost.
I've chose this one since it was all in one : potable, desktop and preamp out, capable of driving ANY headphone on the World - very good sound quality! BL is 550$ (amazon) right now - I was able to buy one for 445$ :) (lucky:) ). I think it's worth those few $ more because of the flexibility and quality you receive.
Using it with mine 6XX and K7XX and I love it.
In comparison with O2 - i would go with ifi any time - of course subjective point of view.
phoenixsong
1055
Nov 29, 2017
For a desktop rig, throw in an Ifi Nano iUSB3.0 with a decent, budget but proven amp like JDS Labs Objective O2. For a pairing dac, I would recommend either the Odac revB, the OL dac, both of which are from JDS as well, or the Sdac from Massdrop & Grace design. This set up would filter out all the noise, interference and distortion which would otherwise be truthfully - or brutally - revealed by a well measuring dac/amp combo like the ones above. It resolves the thin, lifeless sounding issues many O2/Odac users have noticed in their setups. I've tested my Ifi iUSB 3.0 nano + Odac revB (haven't got the OL dac then) + O2 amp rig against the Ifi micro iDSD Black Label, and preferred the former by far ^^
Nilnil
0
Nov 28, 2017
If you want portability I'd recommend taking a look at the RHA Dacamp L1, it costs $ 299,95 and has lots of crazy features for a PORTABLE DAC & AMP Combo and it's able to rival desktop ones.
https://www.rha-audio.com/us/products/amplifiers/dacamp-l1
https://www.rha-audio.com/us/products/amplifiers/dacamp-l1
HarisJaved
61
Nov 28, 2017
so many options
JDS Labs Element (not portable) - I own
JDS labs ODAC / AMP COMBO (not portable)
OPPO - HA2 (portable) - I own
IFI - iMicro IDSD (portable) - I own
Schiit Modi/ Magni - I own
Schiit Asgard 2 + Modi 2
Audio-GD R2R-11 - I own
I own many other DAC/ AMPS but they are above the 400$ mark.
I would not touch the LYR 2 with a Schtick - I had horrible experience with the LYR 2 (running tubes) , and ended up selling mine.
But if you want portability and POWER, get the IFI i Micro IDSD ( can be usually found on sale for 380$, its an amazing AMP/DAC)
for strictly desktop use I would consider AUDIO-GD R2R, or the ELEMENT - both are top class in your price range.
also keep "expandibility" in mind - lets say if you want to add active monitors down the road, you want to make sure to get an AMP/DAC with line/variable out (very important)
also keep "expandibility" in mind - lets say if you want to add active monitors down the road, you want to make sure to get an AMP/DAC with line/variable out (very important)
kphooligann
51
Nov 28, 2017
On the low end of your budget lies the Mayflower O2 amp & ODAC rev. B combo at $230 to $250 .
Currently it looks as if Mayflower will give you $25 off for the Holidays. One shouldn't hear too much difference between DACs. I own an O2 amp. It sounds great. I think this option should be mentioned.
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Thank you all for the suggestions, I have decided on the Schiit Valhalla 2 after much consideration.