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Hi all,

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I am new to all of this and need your help. I purchased the Thx 789 and HD6XX not realizing I need a DAC. Which one should I buy? When I buy one will it come with a cord that connects to the amp? I am trying to google all of it, but I am not getting the answers I need.
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GregCiallella
9
May 6, 2020
I have the hd6xx as well. I also use the thx 789 amp I purchased the topping d50s (make sure the “s”) its a very good DAC (no amp). the sound is tremendous. Buy good cables note, the d50s has coaxial, optical, and usb b for inputs, no rca inputs (has rca output though). Make sure of your source connection before you buy. Also, need to purchase a 5v power supply. I paired mine with the topping p50 linear power supply for an exact match, but there are cheaper options. However, the two make a mini stack that looks great sitting centered on the thx 789... soundwise, the d50s is exciting and is a big step up from the 100$
rastus
1391
May 6, 2020
Thio, looking further into the JDS EL-DAC-II, it looks more like an Interesting engineering change moving forward in design. They are using an LM340 as a current source for performance/stability rather than voltage, driving the AK4493EQ, into a nice NJR opamp. It is part DAC ‘chip’ and a lot of implementation (engineering) that makes a better DAC, as well as simply listening & fix'n...
tuga45
32
May 5, 2020
Depends on your budget. Until 300, 400$ you have Grace SDAC on massdrop, also SMSL SU-8, Topping D50, Topping D70 is very good but is 400$+. If you have a bigger budget RME ADI-2 DAC and Denafrips Aries and Topping D90. In my opinion i wouldn´t spend more than 400$ on a DAC before knowing if you need one. Hope i´ve helped.
Thio
2
May 6, 2020
tuga45Under $200 makes sense to me for a budget. The Grace balanced dac doesn't ship until Aug31. The SMSL SU-8 ver2 just came on Drop so I think I will buy it. Thanks for your help. Now I just need to figure out what cables hook the dac and the 789 together. I was going to buy these: https://drop.com/buy/fanmusic-c006-xlr-interconnect-cables but they sold through.
tuga45
32
May 6, 2020
ThioI think you can find those same cables on amazon.
dcha12
461
May 5, 2020
Need to know your budget. If you want to stay cheap, go Schiit Modi 3 or Drop x Grace SDAC. They're more than good enough for the price. If you need a cable, just get a cheap RCA interconnect from Amazon or somewhere. At this price, I wouldn't worry about $$$$$ cables (and in fact, I advise against it unless you really know what you're doing. Great analog cables really only make a difference on truly TOTL, resolving systems).
(Edited)
Maxnak4
26
May 4, 2020
SMSL SU-8, hands down. Make sure to pick up a pair of XLR cables so you can get the full benefit of balanced.
rastus
1391
May 4, 2020
Don’t know the budget, so simple suggestions and a white paper, that helped me. btw good picks so far;) life starts here: https://www.denafrips.com/ares pretty damn close: https://jdslabs.com/product/el-dac-ii/ nicely written: https://www.us.marantz.com/-/media/Files/DocumentMaster/MarantzNA/US/Marantz_DAC_White_Paper_4_5_2016.pdf a decent USB cable is needed: https://www.amazon.com/Pangea-Audio-Premier-Cable-Meter/dp/B06Y1VCRRC suitable RCA interconnects are required: https://www.amazon.com/Mogami-Professional-Contacts-Straight-Connectors/dp/B001LNN2JQ next up, nicer terminations, price is single: https://www.amazon.com/Mogami-GOLD-RCA-RCA-06-Contacts-Connectors/dp/B015NQGILK







(Edited)
Tejeda
0
May 4, 2020
I just look at the importance of your earphones and you would need a Amp to push more than 300 ohms minimum. I would recommend a 600 ohms.
hks128
68
May 4, 2020
TejedaHe already has the 789
Tejeda
0
May 4, 2020
Hi there I'm not very familiar with your headphones but I hope my answer would give you an idea of what Amp you could get. Notice that your earphones have an impedance in ohms it could be over a 100 for example and you may look around for amps that have a resistance over your headphones ohms. Thanks
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