Excellent measuring 'all in one' DAC & Headphone Amps, under US$1000

[Music1969]

Hi all

What are the excellent measuring 'all in one' DAC + Headphone Amps, under US$1000?

And is there something coming from Topping @amirm ? A follow-up (maybe AKM version?) of the Topping DX7s ?

 

[777]

Topping D70 + THX AAA789

 

[Music1969]

Topping D70 + THX AAA789

I'm looking for an all in one, DAC +Headamp combo.

 

[777]

TOPPING Dx3Pro.

 

[Music1969]

TOPPING Dx3Pro.

Thanks. Wondering if there are any others.

 

[amirm]

RME ADI-2 DAC fits your criteria.

 

[amirm]

And is there something coming from Topping @amirm ? A follow-up (maybe AKM version?) of the Topping DX7s ?

They have shown DX7 Pro: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/some-new-stuff-from-topping-and-smsl.7185/

But until I measure it, I can't recommend it. It is not yet available anyway.

 

[Music1969]

They have shown DX7 Pro: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/some-new-stuff-from-topping-and-smsl.7185/

But until I measure it, I can't recommend it. It is not yet available anyway.

Nice. I imagine that also has the 'ESS IMD hump' solved too.

It might be a bit cheaper than the RME so I may ask Topping for some info about release date.

 

[mi-fu]

Highly recommend RME ADI-2 DAC

 

[andreasmaaan]

What features do you need (inputs, EQ, etc. etc.)?

If all you want it to do is take a USB input and put it through headphones, my vote would be for the humble Apple USB-C dongle. I have both it and the Adi-2 DAC and am 100% satisfied with the sound from both. But only if you have sensitive phones

 

[Music1969]

What features do you need (inputs, EQ, etc. etc.)?

If all you want it to do is take a USB input and put it through headphones, my vote would be for the humble Apple USB-C dongle. I have both it and the Adi-2 DAC and am 100% satisfied with the sound from both. But only if you have sensitive phones

I only need USB input and output to headphones. I use HQPlayer for all DSP.

I need it to drive Focal Utopia headphones well (low distortion).

Balanced outputs needed too, but not for right now - I will add analogue active speakers later.

Topping DX7 Pro looks interesting. Have to wait for release and measurements later.

RME ADI-2 DAC obviously ticks all the boxes too but I'm trying to compile a list of options.

 

[tar]

Check the Questyle CMA400i - seems to be a "warmer" RME ADI-2 DAC without the EQ functions and therefore cheaper. Unfortunately, no measurements, yet. Got one here, I like the quality build and it sounds good. But I am no audiophile expert

 

[pwjazz]

I need it to drive Focal Utopia

Based on the numbers, the Utopia is a really easy load to drive. A good phone or DAP should do the job.

https://www.audiobot9000.com/focal/h/utopia

 

[solderdude]

I would even say the 20 Ohm balanced out is perfect for the Utopia.