DAC Amp with output selector

[john100a]

Hi there.

I am looking for a DAC and AMP unit (combo) that allows me to switch outputs with a switch. A perfect candidate for this would be the Audio.gd (nfb11) products with their physical output switch between rear RCA and front headphone, but I hate the gruesome ordering process and lack of support, as well as bad measurements.

What units out there exist for my needs? I currently have a pair of not very demanding headphones but I do want future-proofing in case I would upgrade. My budget is somewhere around $300, give or take.

To be clear - I just want to not have to unplug headphones for the RCA output to work. A output selector is what I want. To have both headphones and powered speakers to the unit.

 

[Incursio]

I'd recommend the JDS Labs Element II.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...lement-ii-dac-and-headphone-amp-review.10029/

It's a slight budget stretch, but it would be worth it.

 

[john100a]

I'd recommend the JDS Labs Element II.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...lement-ii-dac-and-headphone-amp-review.10029/

It's a slight budget stretch, but it would be worth it.

Yup I've been eyeing it for quite a while, but I don't like the back switch and the overall form factor of this design, although it is fantastic! I feel for the price that it is there should be at least some sort of display.

Is there anything else that is of quality?

 

[john100a]

Any other recommendations?

 

[Berwhale]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-with-physical-output-selection-switch.6336/

 

[john100a]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-with-physical-output-selection-switch.6336/

Not much recommendations there. Not high quality ones anyway. I guess the perfect candidate is the JDS Labs element but its too expensive and I don't really like clicking the back of the device..

 

[Sin Hizer]

Dont get the Origen G2. It sucks.

 

[john100a]

Dont get the Origen G2. It sucks.

Yeah I know.

 

[john100a]

I've found a few units but none of them have any measurements available or any reviews, for that matter.

These are the Audinst HUD DX-1 V2, and the TempoTec Serenade DAC/AMP. Both priced pretty reasonably, but as I've said, lack of reviews and measurement are a big factor.. They don't have reputable vendors as well to facilitate an easy return in case of bad performance.

@amirm Have you heard of these before? I think there is a place for this specific category of wanting an output switch. This de-clutters the desk and allows for a very streamlined operation between headphones and powered speakers, which many people have.

 

[mslim]

I'm interested in this kind of design setup as well and have been looking at the above and both have very little info on youtube. No measurements available. Let's create a list

1. Audio-gd NFB 11.28 - Not reviewed. Have some measurements. Point of note: their vastly more expensive stuff don't measure up
2. Audinst HUD Dx-1 V2. Not reviewed. ESS based. Op-amp rolling available.
3. Tempotec Serenade. Not reviewed. AKM based. No optical input. Op-amp rolling available.
4. RME-ADI 2. Reviewed. One of the best.

 

[john100a]

I'm interested in this kind of design setup as well and have been looking at the above and both have very little info on youtube. No measurements available. Let's create a list

1. Audio-gd NFB 11.28 - Not reviewed. Have some measurements. Point of note: their vastly more expensive stuff don't measure up
2. Audinst HUD Dx-1 V2. Not reviewed. ESS based. Op-amp rolling available.
3. Tempotec Serenade. Not reviewed. AKM based. No optical input. Op-amp rolling available.
4. RME-ADI 2. Reviewed. One of the best.

The ADI is like $1,000+ though.. Do you know of any other units that offer this? Very nice list, but I have said those already in my post.

 

[mslim]

I'm interested in this kind of design setup as well and have been looking at the above and both have very little info on youtube. No measurements available. Let's create a list

1. Audio-gd NFB 11.28 - Not reviewed. Have some measurements. Point of note: their vastly more expensive stuff don't measure up
2. Audinst HUD Dx-1 V2. Not reviewed. ESS based. Op-amp rolling available.
3. Tempotec Serenade. Not reviewed. AKM based. No optical input. Op-amp rolling available.
4. RME-ADI 2. Reviewed. One of the best
5. Singxer SDA-2 . Has a preout button. Reviewed and recommended. But budget unit. .

 

[mslim]

The ADI is like $1,000+ though.. Do you know of any other units that offer this? Very nice list, but I have said those already in my post.

I was hoping for people to add to the list of DACs that have that feature. Not easy to remember all the features of all DACs.

 

[john100a]

I was hoping for people to add to the list of DACs that have that feature. Not easy to remember all the features of all DACs.

I believe the SMSL M9 also has this feature, although I cant find any measurements for it. I think at this point the only decent options are the Element 2 or the Sabaj D5, IIRC. There's also a supposed SMSL M400 in the works that will have these features as well.