Budget-conscious balanced DAC (USB) for A90 + HD800s?

[reptilianbrain]

I am looking for a balanced DAC for A90 + HD800s.
I don't need any features besides just getting the best out of HD800s. Won't be connecting two systems to it, no MQA, no Bluetooth, etc.
I will be using USB only and then just whatever interconnect I need to connect the DAC to A90 via balanced out.

I do, however, want the most transparent, highest sound quality possible, so I don't have to come back to this.

I also want to spend the least possible amount. No more than $300 used, but I will be happy if it's $100 or such.

Would Topping D10 balanced suffice? I read about people calling it "bright" and I want a simple, transparent, non-coloring DAC.

If not D10 balanced, then what?

 

[staticV3]

Would Topping D10 balanced suffice?

Yes.

I read about people calling it "bright"

Here's the frequency response:

If not D10 balanced, then what?

Schiit Modius, Soncoz LA-QDX1

 

[deniall83]

Would Topping D10 balanced suffice? I read about people calling it "bright" and I want a simple, transparent, non-coloring DAC.

If your DAC is adding colour, it's broken. Just about every DAC on this site is audibly transparent. Choose one and go with it.

 

[reptilianbrain]

Here's the frequency response:

Hey thanks a lot, I am pretty much set on A10b after reading this forum.

Out of curiosity what would the graph like with a “bright” DAC?

 

[staticV3]

it would droop a lot below 200Hz or exceed 0dB above ca. 6KHz.

 

[jthc]

D10 is probably fine— I passed on it because of the TRS connectors instead of XLR. I ended up getting an SMSL M300 Mk2, but the Schiit Modius and Soncoz were also on my final list. Probably can’t go wrong with any of these options.

Fwiw I passed on the Modius and Soncoz because they have no display to show if hi-res files are actually being played.

 

[roundsound]

I am looking for a balanced DAC for A90 + HD800s.
I don't need any features besides just getting the best out of HD800s. Won't be connecting two systems to it, no MQA, no Bluetooth, etc.
I will be using USB only and then just whatever interconnect I need to connect the DAC to A90 via balanced out.

I do, however, want the most transparent, highest sound quality possible, so I don't have to come back to this.

I also want to spend the least possible amount. No more than $300 used, but I will be happy if it's $100 or such.

Would Topping D10 balanced suffice? I read about people calling it "bright" and I want a simple, transparent, non-coloring DAC.

If not D10 balanced, then what?

What did you end up getting?
I'm basically in the same boat. Thinking about getting an A90d for my Aeon Noires. As well as a simple balanced DAC with good enough sound quality.