DAC+Amp with both analog & digital inputs?

[MRC01]

I'm looking for a DAC+Amp device that I can feed a digital signal (USB is sufficient, SPDIF would be nice), that also has an analog input. SE alone is sufficient, XLR would be nice. Yet most of the DAC+Amp devices have only digital inputs.

The only ones I'm seeing having both are the Schiit Asgard and Jotunheim (if you get the add-on board). In Amir's reviews these are good clean amps but the DACs were mediocre. Since then Schiit has changed the DAC from the AKM4490 (which Amir reviewed) to the ESS9028, and Schiit's published measurements look like an improvement.

So... are there other devices I should consider before getting the Schiit?

 

[LTig]

If budget allows and amp means headphone amp then look for the RME ADI-2 PRO. Its one of the very best measured here.

 

[MSP0416]

Would this one meet your needs?

https://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/streaming/nero-stream-xd2-400w-wifi-class-d-amplifier.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-o7E15v__AIVSButBh0YAQdfEAQYASABEgL_ZfD_BwE

 

[JeremyFife]

miniDSP Flex?
Digitises the analogue input rather than pass-through but that's to apply DSP so it's well worth it

Balanced and single -ended variants

 

[MRC01]

Thanks for the tips. To clarify: I don't need an amplifier, just headphone amp and DAC. Preamp output is nice to have but not essential.
Yes the RME looks fantastic and also has some basic DSP like parametric EQ. But I'd like to keep the price under $500. This is for my work/office system, not my home reference system.

 

[JeremyFife]

miniDSP Flex?
Digitises the analogue input rather than pass-through but that's to apply DSP so it's well worth it

Balanced and single -ended variants

Ah - missed the Headphone Amp requirement - Flex won't do that

 

[MRC01]

PS: the RME doesn't seem to have an analog input, so it doesn't meet my requirements.

 

[JeremyFife]

Integrated? Loxjie A30 has a good DAC but average HP. NAD do some decent ones.
You'll have an unused power amp but it'll work fine. These two options are small format so fit on a desk ok

 

[staticV3]

So... are there other devices I should consider before getting the Schiit?

Fiio K5/K7/K9 have analog and digital inputs.

 

[badboygolf16v]

PS: the RME doesn't seem to have an analog input, so it doesn't meet my requirements.

The Pro does.

 

[TimW]

My Schiit Hel V1 has this, the V2 has toslink instead of analog input though.

• Topping G5 has USB, BT, and line input. Not necessarily the best solution for a desktop though.
• Topping MX5 has all of the inputs you want and a powerful well measuring headphone amp. Also a bonus speaker amp.
• xDuoo XA-10 has a cool display and only lacks balanced input.
• Klipsch Heritage Headphone Amp and Desktop DAC has the inputs you want if you can find one.

 

[enricoclaudio]

Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 3 does all you are asking for and more.

Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 Review (Streamer & DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 balanced DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier. It was kindly purchased new by a member and drop shipped to me for testing and costs US $1,025. The Pro 3 comes in the usual high quality casing from Matrix, weighing a...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[MRC01]

Matrix Audio mini-i Pro 3 does all you are asking for and more.

Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 Review (Streamer & DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 balanced DAC, streamer and headphone amplifier. It was kindly purchased new by a member and drop shipped to me for testing and costs US $1,025. The Pro 3 comes in the usual high quality casing from Matrix, weighing a...

www.audiosciencereview.com

This and the RME look great, but are twice my budget.
So far, the MX5 and Xduo are closest suggestions to what I'm looking for.

 

[TimW]

This and the RME look great, but are twice my budget.
So far, the MX5 and Xduo are closest suggestions to what I'm looking for.

Don't forget the Fiio K5 and K7.

 

[enricoclaudio]

What about the recently reviewed EverSolo Z8 or its little brother the Z6? Stelar performance DAC with decent headphone amp. You can always add a Topping L30 II if you want/need more output for demanding headphones. The Z8 is $699 and the Z6 is $459.

EverSolo Z8 DAC & Amp Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Zidoo EverSolo Z8 stereo balanced DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $699. As you can tell this is not "yet another desktop DAC." A beautiful and responsive 3 inch LCD display can provide...

www.audiosciencereview.com

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BK8YGG66/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A106C4E62WS2GQ&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BK8YD8VX/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A106C4E62WS2GQ&psc=1

 

[staticV3]

@enricoclaudio Those don't have Line in.

 

[enricoclaudio]

@enricoclaudio Those don't have Line in.

I know but when you start asking for a for good performance DAC with decent headphone amp, there is no way that you are going to find something like that for less than $500. You have to give something away, unless you increase your budget pass the $1000 barrier, then you are going to see only a few more options, like from RME, Matrix Audio, etc. Then pass the $2.5K and you will get stelar performance DACs with stelar performance headphone amps, like the Matrix Audio element X2 with analog inputs, HDMI ARC, 2 x Optical and 2 x Coax Digital inputs and the New RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE.

 

[TimW]

I know but when you start asking for a for good performance DAC with decent headphone amp, there is no way that you are going to find something like that for less than $500. You have to give something away, unless you increase your budget pass the $1000 barrier, then you are going to see only a few more options, like from RME, Matrix Audio, etc. Then pass the $2.5K and you will get stelar performance DACs with stelar performance headphone amps, like the Matrix Audio element X2 with analog inputs, HDMI ARC, 2 x Optical and 2 x Coax Digital inputs and the New RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE.

Not everyone is a SINAD chaser. The other products mentioned here with the features the OP wants have perfectly adequate performance.

 

[MRC01]

I appreciate the suggestions, you folks found a few that I overlooked. I read them all in detail and it brings me back to the Asgard. It seems to have the best overall measured performance considering that Schiit revised & improved the DAC. The fact that they (like JDS) are a USA company with good support is not a requirement, but a definite plus. I also like the fact that the Asgard has an internal PS rather than a wall wart.

I know but when you start asking for a for good performance DAC with decent headphone amp, there is no way that you are going to find something like that for less than $500. You have to give something away, unless you increase your budget pass the $1000 barrier ...

Not everyone is a SINAD chaser. The other products mentioned here with the features the OP wants have perfectly adequate performance.

Yep. They all make different tradeoffs.

 

[dtaylo1066]

Emotiva's XDA3 DAC at $699 has analog (RCA and XLR) input, remote and headphone jack.