Help me find the right dac & amp.

[Badaim]

Hi everyone, I’m new here!

About a year ago, I purchased the DT 770 Pro (80 Ohms) along with the MiniFuse 1 audio interface. Now, I’m looking to upgrade my setup.

I’d like a device that can power higher-impedance headphones (250 Ohms or more) for better headroom. A TOSLINK optical input is also a must-have. My budget is around $150 USD.

I’d appreciate your suggestions! Thanks in advance.

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Badaim! Welcome to ASR.

I'd recommend one of SMSL's DAC+Amps:

SMSL DL100 DAC and Headphone Amp Review

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...

www.audiosciencereview.com

AOSHIDA SMSL C200 Review (DAC & Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the AOSHIDA SMSL C200 balanced DAC and headphone amplifier. It costs US $210. The unit looks attractive enough for a desktop product. The LED is function but sadly displays the sample rate rather than volume (until you change that). Navigating the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

SMSL DL200 the best ever value DAC/AMP?

Linux. Thanks for the advice, I guess :rolleyes: But there's no way I'm going to jump into that swamp and start changing my whole OS and start learning how to use a new one just because of a faint pop/click when switching tracks (and which are not there in my no.1 set which runs on Win10, as I...

www.audiosciencereview.com

They can play about 70% louder than your Minifuse.

If you want to maximize output power per dollar, consider an SMSL SU-1/Topping E30II Lite + Topping L30II.

That combo can play about 2.5x as loud as your Minifuse, enough for even the most demanding headphones.