New to the Forum! I have some questions regarding the DAC to purchase in my situation.

[Griffanio]

Hello everyone!

I've been lurking on this site for a while but finally made an account to ask some questions.
So currently, I am trying to find the best solution for a DAC to be used as a Headphone amplifier, as well as for connecting to my speaker Amplifier powering a set of Bowers and Wilkins 703's.

Here is my current Setup:
-EVGA NU Audio Sound card in my PC (Playing mostly FLAC files)
-That is connected through RCA to my Sansui 9090db Amplifier
-Amp is then connected to my B&W 703's

The Sansui 9090db has a headphone jack, but I am not to keen on the sound of it. I was running a Vincent SV-500 Amplifier prior and the headphone jack on that sounded much better.
So what I am looking for is a DAC that will work well as a headphone amplifier, as well as a DAC pass-through to my Sansui 9090db for my speakers.

For headphones I am using a pair of Hifiman Sundaras, and plan on getting a pair of Sennheiser HD 600 or 650s in the future.
For IEM's I am using Moondrop Aria's, as well as 7hz Salnotes Diokos

Since I am not too pleased with the Sansui's Headphone output sound, I am currently using a FiiO BTR-5, either Bluetooth or connected directly to my PC.
This works quite well for the IEMs that need less power, but even running them in balanced, I feel the Sundara's would prefer a better Headphone Amp.

So my main question is:
What is a good, high quality DAC and Headphone Amplifier that can also work well as a DAC for my large speaker setup.


Current products I am looking at are:

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M - $549.00​

HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop Balanced Headphone DAC & Amplifier - $529.00​

FiiO K7 Full Balanced HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier - $199.99​

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I have been in the Audiophile world for a while now but I have only very basic knowledge on DACs.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!

- Griffin

 

[JSmith]

Hello and welcome to ASR.

You may want to have a closer look at the review index;

Master Audio Review Index

www.audiosciencereview.com

Articles, Reviews and Measurements of Audio Products

Audio Hifi Equipment Reviews Stereo

www.audiosciencereview.com

A few suggestions;

Sabaj A10d 2022 Version Review (DAC & Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the 2022 revision of Sabaj A10d, balanced DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299. As you see this is a very nice departure from typical look of a desktop DAC. A large and nicely visible white 7-segment...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sabaj A20d 2022 Review (DAC & Headphone Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sabaj A20d 2022 balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $420. The new revision is very attractive and stylish. It belies its low cost. I like the colorful display and clear indicators...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Topping DX5 Review (DAC & HP Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping DX5 balanced stereo DAC and (unbalanced) headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $449. As you see the industrial design is all new. I like the large display and the feel of the volume control which is much...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[Griffanio]

Thanks for the recommendations as well as linking the review index!
I am not familiar with Sabaj products but the reviews for the A10d and A20d are phenomenal.
I'll be doing some more research into those I think.
I really appreciate the advice.

- Griffin

 

[AnalogSteph]

The A10d appears to be discontinued though. There's a few similar alternatives, e.g. the Topping L30 II, JDS Labs Atom Amp+ or Schiit Magni Heretic.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

I have the Sabaj A10d 2022 version and am extremely happy with it.

 

[Dunring]

Sabaj makes good stuff, I have the A20h amp and had a couple of the original A20d DACs and really like them. They're a sister company of SMSL which is why many of the cases and remotes look familiar. Prices are lower usually, they just haven't done a marketing blitz.

 

[Griffanio]

I appreciate all the help everyone!
I think I'll be going with the Sabaj A20d.
Also going to just pull the trigger and get myself a pair of Sennheiser HD 650's.
I've been wanting a pair for a while and now is as good of a time as any!
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Griffanio]

All set!
The Sabaj A20d makes my speakers sound MUCH better than the EVGA Nu Audio card I've been using for years now.
I realized the EVGA card really dampens the low end, bass was almost non-existent. Now my speakers are crystal clear and booming again
And the HD-650's are quite good. Compared to my Hifiman Sundaras they have much more detail in the mids and very clear but not overdone low end, just in my opinion. A little EQ and they are sounding incredible! (Crinacles HD 650 EQ measured with the GRAS43 is my favorite sound so far. Orotarty1990s EQ sounds almost identical too). Both are wonderful headphones with different strengths.
Very happy with the new equipment!

 

[JSmith]

Very happy with the new equipment!

Excellent news and the super smash bros theme is great.


JSmith