Headphone DAC/amp recommendation for HE400i | Desktop unit

[Halikular]

I bought the HE400i on sale roughly a year ago, but I couldn't decide on what audio equipment would be any good because of the lack of knowledge and how much pseudo science and misinformation plaguing this industry -- so it so I ended up not making a purchase after all. Now I'm back again having done more through research on this complicated subject. My research has left me with two devices within my budget -- they are:

• Topping DX3 Pro
• Aune X1S
  • Aune X1S Pro
  • Aune X1S 2020
  • Aune X1S 10th

I've read the excellent scientific reviews done by amirm: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th. In addition to the more subjective ones over at Head-fi: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th and Z Reviews: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th.

They all seem to be great alternatives but the DX3 Pro seem to have the best sound on paper on the other hand reliability issues. On the Aune side it get a bit more complicated because of the newly released models. There isn't much information on the X1S Pro nor 2020, and from what I can find it seems to me as if 2020 and Pro versions weren't a upgrade if the output impedance haven't improved, which I can't find any information on. So according to Z Reviews the X1S 10th is a benchmark in sound quality and his personal favorite DAC/amp combo. On the other hand the DX3 Pro seems to be perfect (except for the reliability issues) and is amirm's favorite. I have a very hard time deciding between these two excellent units to the point that I'm asking you to give your opinion on which one's the best.

 

[flipflop]

The output impdance of the X1S is a non-issue since HE-400i have a flat impedance curve.
Because of the problems with reliability with the DX3 Pro, as you mentioned yourself, the X1S would be my choice if I were in your position.

 

[Halikular]

Which version would you recommend though? X1S 10th, X1S 2020 or X1S Pro?

 

[flipflop]

Which version would you recommend though? X1S 10th, X1S 2020 or X1S Pro?

10th. It's the only one that has been measured.

 

[Veri]

10th. It's the only one that has been measured.

Agreed

 

[Get a hearing test]

I'd just buy jds atom and khadas tone board. But that's just me. I already got atom it's great.

 

[BDWoody]

I bought the HE400i on sale roughly a year ago, but I couldn't decide on what audio equipment would be any good because of the lack of knowledge and how much pseudo science and misinformation plaguing this industry -- so it so I ended up not making a purchase after all. Now I'm back again having done more through research on this complicated subject. My research has left me with two devices within my budget -- they are:

• Topping DX3 Pro
• Aune X1S
  • Aune X1S Pro
  • Aune X1S 2020
  • Aune X1S 10th

I've read the excellent scientific reviews done by amirm: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th. In addition to the more subjective ones over at Head-fi: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th and Z Reviews: Topping DX3 Pro, Aune X1S 10th.

They all seem to be great alternatives but the DX3 Pro seem to have the best sound on paper on the other hand reliability issues. On the Aune side it get a bit more complicated because of the newly released models. There isn't much information on the X1S Pro nor 2020, and from what I can find it seems to me as if 2020 and Pro versions weren't a upgrade if the output impedance haven't improved, which I can't find any information on. So according to Z Reviews the X1S 10th is a benchmark in sound quality and his personal favorite DAC/amp combo. On the other hand the DX3 Pro seems to be perfect (except for the reliability issues) and is amirm's favorite. I have a very hard time deciding between these two excellent units to the point that I'm asking you to give your opinion on which one's the best.

I got the dx3 pro, and it's performed flawlessly for me. I'd buy another.

 

[Halikular]

I got the dx3 pro, and it's performed flawlessly for me. I'd buy another.

Which one would you buy?

 

[Halikular]

I'd just buy jds atom and khadas tone board. But that's just me. I already got atom it's great.

Atom is no alternative as I live in EU

 

[Veri]

Atom is no alternative as I live in EU

Sure it is http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-atom-headphone-amplifier-uk-plug.html
pretty well priced, too.

 

[Get a hearing test]

Atom is no alternative as I live in EU

Ordered it from u.s so it cost over 160 dollars total. It's a shame their eu distribution isnt helping it. 100 eu would sell crazy fast. 110 pounds is already 133 usd. Still worth it imo.

 

[BDWoody]

Which one would you buy?

Whatever did the job I needed...they will all sound the same. If I needed another DAC with headphone amp I'd get a dx3 pro. I have the d70 and the d50s. All work great. No issues at all