Apologies if this isn't the right board to ask on.
Current set up is a SMSL SU-8 V2 with a THX789 but that's giving me issues.
Headphones I use now are the ZMF Verite Open (majority of listening), Senn HD800s, Fostex TR-X00 and Arya Stealth. I may get an Aeon X closed at some point as well.
Ideally I'd like to keep it close to $1000 but I'm willing to stretch. Fine with combo units or separates.
I tend to like warmer sound or something that can be eq'd as such but still want one that measures well.
Other requirement is a line out for the DAC module since I also have a desktop speakers (KEF Q150 speakers fed by a desktop Audioengine amp). Id want something that can either output to the headphones and speaker amp simultaneously like the SMSL or at the very least have a simple toggle that isn't buried in a menu. I'm also looking for something with a balanced xlr out as that's what the majority of my cables are.
There's way more options than last time I was in the market so would appreciate the tips.
A few I've looked at:
FiiO K17- demoed at can jam, sounded great with the ZMFs but I actually liked the R2R variant they had there better... It isn't out yet so Id need to wait for reviews or consider the base model + FiiO Warmer for more versatility
Topping DX9 Discreet- seems great on paper but I'm a bit weary of Topping's quality control
Burson Conductor Stellar- Stretch option- Brand new model, love the aesthetics, probably higher quality than the Chinese options, tons of power but main con is the silent power modules and upgraded power supply are part of the pricier Deluxe model. Defintely a buy once cry once purchase, but also wondering how much the power modules matter if I have it plugged into a UPS?
Luxsin X8 or X9- didn't hear about this brand till yesterday but they seem very well regarded here and I like all the advanced eq features
Open to other suggestions too. Would probably want to avoid tubes though since I want something reliable and versatile with a wide range of headphones.
Thanks
Current set up is a SMSL SU-8 V2 with a THX789 but that's giving me issues.
Headphones I use now are the ZMF Verite Open (majority of listening), Senn HD800s, Fostex TR-X00 and Arya Stealth. I may get an Aeon X closed at some point as well.
Ideally I'd like to keep it close to $1000 but I'm willing to stretch. Fine with combo units or separates.
I tend to like warmer sound or something that can be eq'd as such but still want one that measures well.
Other requirement is a line out for the DAC module since I also have a desktop speakers (KEF Q150 speakers fed by a desktop Audioengine amp). Id want something that can either output to the headphones and speaker amp simultaneously like the SMSL or at the very least have a simple toggle that isn't buried in a menu. I'm also looking for something with a balanced xlr out as that's what the majority of my cables are.
There's way more options than last time I was in the market so would appreciate the tips.
A few I've looked at:
FiiO K17- demoed at can jam, sounded great with the ZMFs but I actually liked the R2R variant they had there better... It isn't out yet so Id need to wait for reviews or consider the base model + FiiO Warmer for more versatility
Topping DX9 Discreet- seems great on paper but I'm a bit weary of Topping's quality control
Burson Conductor Stellar- Stretch option- Brand new model, love the aesthetics, probably higher quality than the Chinese options, tons of power but main con is the silent power modules and upgraded power supply are part of the pricier Deluxe model. Defintely a buy once cry once purchase, but also wondering how much the power modules matter if I have it plugged into a UPS?
Luxsin X8 or X9- didn't hear about this brand till yesterday but they seem very well regarded here and I like all the advanced eq features
Open to other suggestions too. Would probably want to avoid tubes though since I want something reliable and versatile with a wide range of headphones.
Thanks
