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

Music1969

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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 ?
 
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amirm

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andreasmaaan

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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 ;)
 
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Music1969

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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

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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 :)
 

solderdude

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I would even say the 20 Ohm balanced out is perfect for the Utopia.
 
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Music1969

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Just seeing if we have new good options, 8 months later.

Or still RME ADI-2 DAC FS and DX7 Pro are best (objectively)?
 
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