Dac with quality headphone amp?

[Bigron]

Can any of the forum members recommend a Dac with quality headphone amp for max £500 UKP.
This seems to be the place where Dacs and headphone amps get reviewed more than anywhere else, so I'm thinking I should get some good advice.

 

[DVDdoug]

You can check the reviews here but they aren't "ranked". (Although you can sort by price and "recommended").

Some of the Topping products get high marks (at reasonable prices). Or if you don't have any special requirements for high-output or something, and if you don't need a volume control knob the Apple Dongle may be all you need and it will be "better than human hearing".

 

[AnalogSteph]

Desktop DAC-amps are a very lively market segment, and there should be no shortage of good candidates in this price range. Do you need anything in particular, like balanced line or headphone outputs? Both output and noise level tend to be at a good level in most of them, though you're not going to see anything quite at the level of a good dedicated amp like Topping L30... I wouldn't hope for more than about 6 Vrms and change maximum. That's usually fine.

 

[Bigron]

Desktop DAC-amps are a very lively market segment, and there should be no shortage of good candidates in this price range. Do you need anything in particular, like balanced line or headphone outputs? Both output and noise level tend to be at a good level in most of them, though you're not going to see anything quite at the level of a good dedicated amp like Topping L30... I wouldn't hope for more than about 6 Vrms and change maximum. That's usually fine.

Yes, I'm looking for a Dac with headphone amp. Something like the RME ADi-2 but cheaper and with just the basics.

 

[IngMishael]

Yes, I'm looking for a Dac with headphone amp. Something like the RME ADi-2 but cheaper and with just the basics.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/QUDELIX-Qudelix-T71-Qudelix-T71-USB/dp/B0D1XZ1R7W

Balanced output max. 8V RMS (2.5 & 4.4mm)

4~10 hours battery time (1000mA Battery)

2.0 Channel Stereo Mode 384KHz / 32-bit

20-band Double Precision PEQ/GEQ

Incredibly portable setup that is both desktop and on the go friendly

 

[jasonhanjk]

The Sound Blaster X1 DAC uses the same op amp INA1620 as the T71 mentioned above.
I'm not buying yet because I want something that can drive 8 ohm.

 

[JSmith]

'Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review'

Jul 20, 2025

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Topping DX5 II Smart DAC and balanced headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299.

The DX5II is beautiful to look at especially due to its very high contrast and bright display. Love the extra buttons so that you don't have to remember how to change the settings just by clicking the volume control. Nice set of visualizations are including a highly responsive/fast spectrum display. Alas, its lowest frequency is 50 Hz and I wish it would go down to 20 Hz. Likewise, there is nice VU...

• amirm
• Replies: 865
• Forum: Combination Audio DAC and Headphone Amplifiers

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'Fosi DS1 Portable DAC & Headphone Amp Review'

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This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio DS1 portable usb-c DAC and balanced headphone amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and is on sale for US $68.

The look is distinctive. Sharp edges give it style but perhaps would be a bit rough in worn in pants pocket. Most important features are nice volume control buttons and inclusion of "balanced" headphone output. I focused my testing on that.

Fosi DS1 Measurements
As usual we start with our dashboard at max volume:

Nice to see 4 volts out! This means we will have plenty of power...

• amirm
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Headphone Amplifier Reviews & Discussion

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'SMSL DL100 DAC and Headphone Amp Review'

Aug 23, 2024

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the SMSL DL100 balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $179.

The DL100 is a fair departure from standard SMSL offering in that it uses a stamped steel enclosure instead of machined aluminum. Despite that, the unit maintains its high quality feel and you only notice otherwise when you look from behind and see the seams in the lid:

The slanted back and bright display make it easier to see the settings at the desk. Alas, I wish that it would show the...

• amirm
• Replies: 297
• Forum: Combination Audio DAC and Headphone Amplifiers

• 

JSmith