DAC/Preamp combination recommendations?

[BassTinker]

Hey everyone,

I am stuck in an infinite loop of browsing through DAC/Preamp combination devices. I just cannot find a device that fulfills all my needs in one device. Of course I already checked the Review Master list with > 85dB SINAD filter. The requirements are as follows:

• Balanced Out
• USB In (USB version doesnt matter)
• Optical In
• RCA In for Phono (already own a Phono preamp with RCA Out)
• Balanced In (perhaps I am open to compromise on this one)
• 12V Trigger Out
• < 600 €
• Optional: 12V Trigger In

It always fails at the combination of both digital and analog Inputs or price point. SMSL has great devices, but they all lag the analog In. Maybe somebody here has he enlightening idea that I need I’m starting to go crazy here. I'm using a HypeX ncX252MP Audiophonics power amp to power my T+A TB160 coffins.

 

[staticV3]

The FiiO K15 fulfills every requirement but Trigger support.

 

[BassTinker]

Oh wow thats a neat device, thanks for the recommendation! I never saw 4.4mm balanced input stereo cables before...and I work as an acoustical engineer Always awesome to find new stuff.
Unfortunately I cant find any measurements of the K15, but I'll go digging into the Velvet DAC.

 

[BassTinker]

Looks like the K15 uses an updated version of the DAC that is also integrated into the Topping E50 (+ Mark II). And the Topping measured really really good. I hope that FiiO did a comparably good integration of the chip eager to see test results