It comes down to drivers, QC, firmware support, and analog output voltage to your amp. The M300MkII should be in the same league. Pick the one that does not click/pop, has the most updated driver support and has the least subjective noise from your computer. Are you looking for a ESS dac to just switch it up? The Sonoz looks better off measurements, and its cheaper.
I'd recommend that you save up and get better headphones, or say try a different sound signature, just to switch it up, depending on the music you listen to. Then work back starting with the amp you are using. There are better amps than the SP200 now, under $400. The dac is fine, unless you don't fancy SMSL for whatever reason.
Why? What's wrong with the gear you have? If you want a better/different sound get another headphone.
I made comparison tests between my smsl m300 mk2 and my Huawei nova 7i phone, all connect with my smsl sp200 amp. I concluded that the nova 7i has a honeyed instrument separation, more detail of the treble and a very good resolution especially in midrange. on the other hand m300 sounds as good but I do not like its presentation in 2.5 d, the treble are a little shy, and above all his midrange gives priority to the voice which is well defined but overshadow the instruments that are with it, the bass is not slamming and is not deteiled. that's why I want something different especially ESS Saber for a budget of $ 300. the best i can find are Aune X8 Magic and Soncoz LA-QXD1. if someone can help me choose between these dac? other suggestions are welcome
Can you give me some example of amps under 400 better in terms of quality/power than the sp200? ( maybe capable for dt880 600ohms)It comes down to drivers, QC, firmware support, and analog output voltage to your amp. The M300MkII should be in the same league. Pick the one that does not click/pop, has the most updated driver support and has the least subjective noise from your computer. Are you looking for a ESS dac to just switch it up? The Sonoz looks better off measurements, and its cheaper.
I'd recommend that you save up and get better headphones, or say try a different sound signature, just to switch it up, depending on the music you listen to. Then work back starting with the amp you are using. There are better amps than the SP200 now, under $400. The dac is fine, unless you don't fancy SMSL for whatever reason.
I'm wondering the same. Was the test you did blind and level matched? I have a feeling you may be perfectly happy with your current setup if you ensure those proper controls.Not to make a statement obvious, but did you do the tests volume matched? (Down to 0.1 dB) and blind?
Your current DAC and HPA both measure well. No problems there.If someone can help me choose between its two dacs based on the ES9038 saber chipset ( Aune x8 magic vs Soncoz la-qxd1 )?
my setup is :
amp = smsl sp200
headphone = akg k712 pro
dac = smsl m300 mk2,
Can you give me some example of amps under 400 better in terms of quality/power than the sp200? ( maybe capable for dt880 600ohms)
Im still deciding and need suggestion, thanks
Ifi zen can single ended is less power than sp200 and less neutral sounding, unless i mod 880s i won't benifit the balanced output...gashelli erish i dont really knowGeshelli Erish, Ifi Zen Can may work well at 600 ohm.
Guys, you should do some blind tests and realize that all competent dacs sound the same... transparent... there are multiple threads with this kind of information. I guess if you are writing here is because you want to learn and scape from all the BS of headfi and other forums alike. Peace![]()
I will grant you that it's challenging to distinguish between the D50s and Aune X8 or between the V90 and an E30.