[ POLL ] [ Final Thread, I Promise ] - Which of the following stacks would you say is the overall best, most reliable, and therefore worth its cost?

[Quinton595]

Hello everyone, I promise this is my final post.

You have all been very kind, and I don't want to take advantage of the community by spamming threads (more than I already have).

With the community's help, I have narrowed a choice of amp and DAC stacks to a few brands, For use with Sennheiser HD800s, and a -15db Preamp EQ, on a PC Audio Setup.

My requirements changed a lot over the last few weeks as I learned new things, and dispelled my old misconceptions.

My priorities, in order:

1. Reliability / Lifespan
2. Transparency, detail retrieval, and, ideally, large sound-staging.
3. Enough power to run the HD800s, with a -15 dB Preamp EQ, at peak levels of 115 dB.
4. Clean, simple, boxy aesthetics, in black

My requirements:

• The product line must have matching stackable power amps, or work visually with power amps of other brands
• Must have a pre-amp switch on the headphone amp so I can disable speaker output when using headphones, and vice-versa
• A target price point in Canadian dollars of around $1200 CAD or less, landed at my door.

Please do not question the pricing listed beside each poll option, I know they are different from what you'll find online. These are landed prices in Canadian dollars, factoring in some strange shipping methods and a potential duty-free trip to the US.

I am not concerned about the sonic differences between the stacks, as I do not think I will be able to hear the reported subtle differences in tonality and frequency response.

Please do not suggest the RME Adi-2. It is great, but at $2005 CAD landed, is too expensive.

Once again, thank you to everyone who stuck with me. You have all taught me a great deal, and I appreciate you taking the time to explain things to my indecisive self.

My profile picture is an apt representation of myself IRL.