Looking for a desktop headphone DAC & Amp, under $500-ish

[melic]

I've been out of the loop for several years, so I'm not familiar with the currently popular brands and models. I'm listening with Sennheiser HD-650 open back headphones, currently using a JCALLY JM6 Pro DAC dongle connected to my desktop computer.

I'm looking for a new DAC/amp, either all-one-in or separate components. I'm not a very critical listener, just upgrading for fun. I don't want to spend a ton of money, under $500 or so...

If anyone can get me started with a few of the popular models, and any other sites to read reviews....
Thanks!

 

[staticV3]

What aspect of the JM6 Pro do you want to upgrade? (besides price)

 

[melic]

I'd like something with a volume knob and a headphone jack (don’t care about RCA outputs). Something that has its own power supply. I believe my PC's only digital outputs are USB-A & C, and HDMI.
And something that looks nice... That's about it.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[melic]

I just spent some time browsing the Topping website, a brand I had never heard of before today. I'm already overwhelmed.

 

[Somafunk]

If I was buying a dac/amp for use with a pc/mac I’d find it very hard for my wallet to overlook the following (in order of cost £/$\€, most sensible purchase first)

Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

PEQ, 4.4Bal / 3.5 with mic, UAC 1.0/2.0, 32Ω1000mw, PRICE is estimated below 600CNY in China (about 87USD now)

www.audiosciencereview.com

DX1 II - Listen Deep Play Sharp - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Topping DX5 II Smart DAC and balanced headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299. The DX5II is beautiful to look at especially due to its very high contrast and bright display. Love the extra buttons...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JDS Labs Element IV DAC & HP Amp with EQ Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the JDS Labs Element IV (4) stereo DAC and headphone amplifier with support for parametric equalization. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $499. The Element IV implements their large and joyful horizontal volume control...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

At the price point and for what you described you are looking for the Topping DX1 II would appear to push all the buttons and keep ~$400 in your pocket.

 

[Bleib]

Bear in mind that DX1 II is quite buggy at this moment. It needs quite a bit fixes