Recently I bought an Aiyima T6 Pro Headphone Pre-Amp. This is paired with a T9 Pro. Together they sound great, but I have a a few gripes that have me looking to return and get something else. I have really only found one that has everything I am looking for so I am coming to you all looking for suggestions. I am willing to replace both the T9 and the T6 is there is a better option.
Budget: as close to $200 as possible, but willing to go up to $400 if there is a real reason. I am into my current combo about $200 (t9 was $134, T6 was $80). Ideally I am not spending more than 400 between the headphone preamp and speaker amp.
Room: Living room open to kitchen in a one bed apartment, maybe 20X25 ft overall space.
Speakers: Currently Sony SSCS3 Floor standing Speakers w/ Sony Powered 10" Sub
Sources: TV, Computer: Optical and USB respectively. I want to be able to listen to both of these through the headphone preamp and send that signal onto my amp through RCA, but better if digital so I am not converting from digital to analog and back before it hits my speakers.
The gripes: I can't leave my headphones plugged into the preamp and switch between output. I can't connect the optical from my TV to the T6 Pro, so I can't listen to movies and stuff through headphones late at night.
- I do need something small because these units sit on my desk and I don't have a large console/space for a power amp; which is why I am not looking into those.
So I am looking at the S.M.L.S M500. It seems to have all the features I want including switching between outputs. I am still in the return window for both the T6 and T9.
Also, is there any benefit to going with separate units vs. something like the AO300 which has a headphone jack.
Budget: as close to $200 as possible, but willing to go up to $400 if there is a real reason. I am into my current combo about $200 (t9 was $134, T6 was $80). Ideally I am not spending more than 400 between the headphone preamp and speaker amp.
Room: Living room open to kitchen in a one bed apartment, maybe 20X25 ft overall space.
Speakers: Currently Sony SSCS3 Floor standing Speakers w/ Sony Powered 10" Sub
Sources: TV, Computer: Optical and USB respectively. I want to be able to listen to both of these through the headphone preamp and send that signal onto my amp through RCA, but better if digital so I am not converting from digital to analog and back before it hits my speakers.
The gripes: I can't leave my headphones plugged into the preamp and switch between output. I can't connect the optical from my TV to the T6 Pro, so I can't listen to movies and stuff through headphones late at night.
- I do need something small because these units sit on my desk and I don't have a large console/space for a power amp; which is why I am not looking into those.
So I am looking at the S.M.L.S M500. It seems to have all the features I want including switching between outputs. I am still in the return window for both the T6 and T9.
Also, is there any benefit to going with separate units vs. something like the AO300 which has a headphone jack.
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