Hello everyone!
Iam thinking about a nice DAC/amp combination to pair with my incoming 58xx and I am struggling between these two options (considering money):
Topping dx3 pro (First version!) - used for 6 months - 150€
Topping D10 + JDS Labs Atom - new - 230€ (80 + 150)
I really like the quality/price ratio of the dx3, It had enthusiastic reviews (mostly), but I am concerned about the reliability issues. In fact it is the first version, that one which performed very well in the tests made on this site, but the same that had a lot of fails. However, after 6 months of usage this particular unit is still performing perfectly, so it shouldn't have any issues (maybe), since it appears that defective unites stopped working immediately or soon.
Also the D10 is from Topping, but it seems to not have such problems, and looks like a very nice DAC for the price, even if I have read from some that the dx3 DAC is better (for sure it supports more formats, but what about the sound?).
Moving to the Atom, it is considered by the majority the best entry level amp you could ever get, and it is what could make me spend these 80 euro more. I feel it is more reliable than the dx3 (made in USA from a great company, from which I would have some guarantees), and it is a better amp (yes?), wich could power without problems more demanding cans in case of a future upgrade.
I like the idea to have both features in a small, easy to carry, and compact unit, and I like that price. However, I have the feeling that separate units are more flexible and open to an upgrade. I could upgrade my headphones with an Atom and at the same time buy a better DAC. In case (if it will not die before!) I could also use the dx3 as a DAC or an amp only (yes?), but would it be at the same level of the single units? I have considered also other options like the Schiit stack (but It would cost me 270€ and I think it is not better than the other stack), the new Aune X1S wich is on Drop (but it would cost me also more than the stack and I should wait until Christmas), the Topping stack D30 + A30 (220€ would arrive in one month but I am not so enthusiastic about the Amp).
So, considering everything, do you think that it is worthy to spend 80€ more for that combo? Or should I look back at one of the other options mentioned? Other suggestions are of course we'll welcomed! Thank you so much!
Iam thinking about a nice DAC/amp combination to pair with my incoming 58xx and I am struggling between these two options (considering money):
Topping dx3 pro (First version!) - used for 6 months - 150€
Topping D10 + JDS Labs Atom - new - 230€ (80 + 150)
I really like the quality/price ratio of the dx3, It had enthusiastic reviews (mostly), but I am concerned about the reliability issues. In fact it is the first version, that one which performed very well in the tests made on this site, but the same that had a lot of fails. However, after 6 months of usage this particular unit is still performing perfectly, so it shouldn't have any issues (maybe), since it appears that defective unites stopped working immediately or soon.
Also the D10 is from Topping, but it seems to not have such problems, and looks like a very nice DAC for the price, even if I have read from some that the dx3 DAC is better (for sure it supports more formats, but what about the sound?).
Moving to the Atom, it is considered by the majority the best entry level amp you could ever get, and it is what could make me spend these 80 euro more. I feel it is more reliable than the dx3 (made in USA from a great company, from which I would have some guarantees), and it is a better amp (yes?), wich could power without problems more demanding cans in case of a future upgrade.
I like the idea to have both features in a small, easy to carry, and compact unit, and I like that price. However, I have the feeling that separate units are more flexible and open to an upgrade. I could upgrade my headphones with an Atom and at the same time buy a better DAC. In case (if it will not die before!) I could also use the dx3 as a DAC or an amp only (yes?), but would it be at the same level of the single units? I have considered also other options like the Schiit stack (but It would cost me 270€ and I think it is not better than the other stack), the new Aune X1S wich is on Drop (but it would cost me also more than the stack and I should wait until Christmas), the Topping stack D30 + A30 (220€ would arrive in one month but I am not so enthusiastic about the Amp).
So, considering everything, do you think that it is worthy to spend 80€ more for that combo? Or should I look back at one of the other options mentioned? Other suggestions are of course we'll welcomed! Thank you so much!