Best Sounds for $400-$600 budget DAC/AMP

[twsecrest]

DX7s is in budget, DX7Pro is not ($800+ CAD). Is it worth the difference to upgrade to Pro.

Just get the DX7s, for now

 

[maxxevv]

Using the Aeon 2 (impedance 13 ohms) with the Topping A50 (9.4 ohms bal) I had weak sub bass and distorted bass response. When I switched to the Atom, and then the A90, those issues went away. Of course this could all be in my head...

If you look at the impedance and phase of the headphone of the Aeon Closed, it doesn't change at all, completely flat. So it should not be affected

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mrspeakers-aeon-closed-back-headphones-measurements

Chances are, what you heard was really just the A50 not supplying sufficient current to the headphones.

 

[twsecrest]

Using the Aeon 2 (impedance 13 ohms) with the Topping A50 (9.4 ohms bal) I had weak sub bass and distorted bass response. When I switched to the Atom, and then the A90, those issues went away. Of course this could all be in my head...

Atom has around 1-Ohm output impedance, better for low Ohm headphones.

 

[eXodus]

Thanks everyone, I ended up ordering the JDS Element II (Red Ring) to start.