AMP/DAC Combo Recommendation for HD6XX

[eXodus]

Looking for recommendations on an AMP/DAC combo for my HD6XX. Looking for something with XLR balanced..

I'm looking at the Monolith THX 788 and the Monolith THX 887 and heard about the THX 789.

Not sure what to get, it seems the 788 has XLR IS NOT balanced? Looks like the 788 XLR IS balanced?

Open to similar suggestions on amp/dac combo. This is my first AMP/DAC purchase.

 

[twsecrest]

Both the THX 788 and THX877 come with balanced headphone (XLR, 4-pin) jacks.
The more costly THX 788 comes with a built in dual DAC chip function.
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24459
The cheaper THX 887 is a headphone amplifier only (no DAC function).
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=39359
$100 extra (THX 788) for the dual DAC chips seems like a good value.

 

[gvl]

Maybe wait for the Topping A90?

 

[eXodus]

Maybe wait for the Topping A90?

Hmm interesting, seems the release date is sometime in May.. with an unknown price..

 

[gvl]

Hmm interesting, seems the release date is sometime in May.. with an unknown price..

I suspect it will be more $ than the THX ones.

 

[eXodus]

I suspect it will be more $ than the THX ones.

I'll probably go with the THX 788 as I'm guessing the Topping one will be in the $700 area. Thanks gvl and twsecrest!

 

[gvl]

I'll probably go with the THX 788 as I'm guessing the Topping one will be in the $700 area. Thanks gvl and twsecrest!

Maybe less with discounts, etc. My hunch is 500-600, but who knows.

 

[Mocs123]

I've never used a tube amp and don't know how one would measure but i see the Bottlehead Crack recommended often for the HD-600/650/6XX.

 

[eXodus]

I've never used a tube amp and don't know how one would measure but i see the Bottlehead Crack recommended often for the HD-600/650/6XX.

Looking for an amp/dac combo, that seems to just be an AMP and one that's $500 alone

 

[Mocs123]

I thought the kit was more like $350 but I know there is some DIY involved. There are multiple $100 DACs that test well. You might could even build a Khadas Tone Board into the unit.

It’s just a thought anyways.

 

[maverickronin]

I've never used a tube amp and don't know how one would measure but i see the Bottlehead Crack recommended often for the HD-600/650/6XX.

Looking for an amp/dac combo, that seems to just be an AMP and one that's $500 alone

It's a fun build if you're looking to get into DIY electronics or if you already know you want a more colored OTL tube sound. Otherwise I'd give it a pass.

 

[solderdude]

Looking for an amp/dac combo, that seems to just be an AMP and one that's $500 alone

The Monolith THX 887 and THX 789 are also amps only.

Monolith THX 788 is the only DAC amp combo.

 

[jae]

JDS Labs Element II?

 

[eXodus]

JDS Labs Element II?

Unfortunately no XLR.