DAC/AMP for the HD6XX?

[Ourgairogy]

I read tons of reviews and articles, but I'm still between the Topping DX3 Pro+ and the FiiO K7. Which one should I get?
Also, for the FiiO, do I need a balanced cable?

 

[twsecrest]

I would get a balanced cable, but not a big deal if you do not.
And for a 300-Ohm HD6XX, I would have tried tube amp.

 

[Ourgairogy]

I would get a balanced cable, but not a big deal if you do not.
And for a 300-Ohm HD6XX, I would have tried tube amp.

Which one do u suggest? (Tube)
Under 200 if possible

 

[VMAT4]

FiiO K7 is my pick of the two. I had a DX3 Pro and had driver issues with it. Alternately, I've had no problems with DX5/DX5 Lite.
I don't know the advantages, if any of tubes.

 

[twsecrest]

Which one do u suggest? (Tube)
Under 200 if possible

For a good bang for the buck, a xDuoo MT-602 tube amp (I own the MT-601).
It's $100, so way under budget.
Schiit Vali 3, $150.

But you would need to add a separate DAC.

 

[VMAT4]

Most xDuoo products reviewed at ASR are not recommended. The MT-602 has not been reviewed here. But I doubt a tube headphone amp would be recommended if reviewed. I'd stay away from it. And go with a better known quantity. Although the K7 has not been reviewed other FiiO products have and a greater percentage of FiiO products are recommended that xDuoo. OTOH, Topping DX3 Pro+ has been reviewed and is recommended.