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(under) 300$ DAC/AMP for headphones

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I have a Focal Elex, Beyer 880 at 600 Ohms and the Senny HD 650 and I'm looking for a headphone DAC / AMP around 200$. I have sensitive ears so the amp does not need to be powerful.
Currently I have a Chord Mojo that's unreliable (shuts down randomly, battery doesn't charge at all after 18 months, etc.)
Looking for something without battery as I found out that battery and heat produced by DACs do not mix very well - it shortens the life of the battery.
What are the latest greatest in this price range, please? Much appreciated.

So far I found
https://sg.creative.com/p/sound-cards/sound-blasterx-g6
https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/
 
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Bumped the budget to 300$ but that's the ceiling.
 

Jorj

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Jorj

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The DX7s' higer output impedance isn't as good a match with the Elex.

But it is close enough to most likely not matter. It just squeaks over the 10x rule. DX7s - 10 ohm, Elex = 80 ohm. Still, the nod goes to the DX3Pro.
 

Jorj

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You sir just made my day by pointing me to a battery source for Mojo. IF that was the ONLY problem with my Mojo I'd pay 80$ for the battery - and yes I can handle a screwdriver and hot-glue gun :) Now I am tempted...

My Mojo gets warm, but I obey the 40% rule and never charge while listening, and the battery has lasted a good while. Still, new gear is FUN.
 
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Hmm - DX3Pro vs JDS Objective2 Odac Combo Revb so far it seems.
 
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artnoi

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D10+O2 (my setup) is somewhere near $200 and is more powerful than DX3Pro.

DX3Pro’s only got 2V 6V of output into 300ohm, which I guess won’t be adequate for 600-ohm Beyers, but the Senny be fine (My 250-ohm beyer still needs more than 1x gain from 2V DAC for quiet tracks).

edited: Anyway I also plan to buy DX3Pro as its DAC performance is superior and it has nice bluetooth functionality and digital volume control.
 
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westyjeff

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I have a O2+SDAC for sale, this would be a good all in one for the headphones you have.
 

pwjazz

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DX3Pro’s only got 2V of output

Where do you get that figure? Amir measured it as putting 123 mW into 300 ohms at high gain without clipping, which is about 6V.
 
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