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Best Cost Effective Implementation of DAC & AMP for Headphones and Balanced Powered Speakers

wacomme

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I'm seeking balanced inputs for desktop powered speakers to a DAC and AMP (or combo) + headphones. What's the best quality implementation for this setup that's cost effective?

The EX5 comes to mind, but I believe the AMP is lacking compared to the L30 (and that's only RCA inputs). The 10Db (ok, D90SE) + A90 seems to be best quality (for Topping), but is there anything with similar quality that has a lower cost? 10Db + A30Pro? 10Db + L50? E50 + L50? What's the best quality/price option? Which option should offer the longest longevity (durability & non-obsolescence) without needing to be replaced?
 

tifune

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It's sort of confusing what exactly you're trying to achieve, but I can say with certainty the E+L units are basically where the bar is currently set for price: performance value. I don't personally feel balanced is required on short runs (such as desktop+headphones), I bring that up here because the L50 is just passthrough whereas L30 can control volume. Maybe that doesn't matter In your situation
 
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wacomme

wacomme

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I'm assuming I need balanced inputs (to my desktop powered speakers) because I've been plagued by interference issues in the past. Currently, I don't have the problem, but over the years I've had to address the interference issue several times.

I currently have the DX3Pro+. I'm within the Amazon window to return the DX3Pro+ and get something else with balanced inputs (or not). If I go down the non-balanced pathway, would the E+L 30 route be a better option than the DX3Pro+ - in terms of sound quality?

And if I need balanced inputs, what's my best option in terms of cost and performance? I have Sundara and 560s headphones. I want enough power to somewhat future-proof my dac/amp in case I decide to purchase high impedance headphones in the future.
 

maxxevv

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The DX5 might be what you want. It has a more robust headphone amp output compared to the EX5.
 
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wacomme

wacomme

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The DX5 might be what you want. It has a more robust headphone amp output compared to the EX5.
I forgot about the DX5. Did a firmware update ever fix the ESS IMD hump?
 
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wacomme

wacomme

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Thoughts on DX5 vs A30Pro + D10b?
 

tifune

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Thoughts on DX5 vs A30Pro + D10b?

All of these options will be audibly transparent; if you want future proofing, get whatever's in your budget with the highest power output.
 
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