Reccomendations Needed for Preamp/Headphone Amp

[ejr]

I am considering purchasing a SMSL D300 DAC. Unfortunately, it lacks a headphone output and, while it can be used in "preamp" mode, the consenus of opinion from the reviews that I have read suggest that it isn't very good as a preamp. So, I am looking to buy a separate preamp with a headphone output.

The headphones I use are the Audio-technica ATH-M40x and the Sony MDR-7506 (which I am planning to replace with the MDR-M1, when it becomes available) and that's unlikey to change. So, I will only need an unbalanced headphone output. I have balanced Genelec powered speakers. So, the preamp will need balanced outputs as well as inputs (XLR preferred.)

I am currently considering the SMSL H300, but I have a few questions for anyone who is familiar with this unit. Primarily, once I have connected it to the DAC and my speakers, how do I adjust the volume? It doesn't appear to come with a remote control. Do I have to get up and turn the dial every time and hope that it will be appropriate for my listening position? Or can I change the volume on the DAC? And, in the latter case, how exactly does that work? Do I then put the DAC in preamp mode, so the volume is variable and can be adjusted with my remote? And doesn't that defeat the purposed of having an external preamp, or make it redundant? If that's the case, can anyone suggest a better alternative to the D300?

Finally, what is your opinion on stacking components. As a rule, I have never stacked anything. All audio and video components get their own place on a shelf. But I am short of space in this location and, if I go with a separate DAC and premap, they will have to be stacked.

Thanks.

 

[staticV3]

An inexpensive Preamp+Headphone Amp with remote-controlled volume is the Topping L70.

Yes, buying an external Preamp in favor of the DACs built-in Preamp function, but then using the DAC for volume anyway would kind of defeat the purpose.

OTOH, whether there actually is a purpose is debatable.

 

[ejr]

Thanks for the reccomendation. The Topping L70 does look like a better bet than the H300. It not only has a remote, but a trigger input as well. Unfortunately, the DAC I want apparently doesn't have a trigger output. Neither does my TV. (Now, if there was a preamp with a headphone amp which also had an ARC, that would be something.)

 

[staticV3]

(Now, if there was a preamp with a headphone amp which also had an ARC, that would be something.)

ARC is digital, so you won't find that in an analog preamp.

There are DACs with ARC input though, e.g. SMSL DO100 Pro, DO200 Pro, miniDSP Flex HT/HTx, WiiM Ultra, FiiO K19

Wait a few months and I'm sure that SMSL, too will release a DAC+Headphone Amp combo unit with ARC input and remote control.

 

[ejr]

Yeah. I was thinking that, too. This close to the holiday season, it makes sense to wait a bit to see what models are coming out.

I was originally looking at the SMSL DO400, which can act as a preamp and has the headphone amp built-in. It's the closest to what I am using now (the Loxjie D40) and it supposedly addresses some of the brightness issues that I don't like in the ESS chips. But, really, what drew me to the D300 is the ROHM chip, as it just sounds more like what I expect to hear (i.e. more analog-sounding, more ambiance, and not quite so clean and clinical).

Though, now I'm thinking the Topping E70 Velvet DAC might be a better pairing with the L70 (if something better isn't released by Christmas).

 

[Roland68]

Yeah. I was thinking that, too. This close to the holiday season, it makes sense to wait a bit to see what models are coming out.

I was originally looking at the SMSL DO400, which can act as a preamp and has the headphone amp built-in. It's the closest to what I am using now (the Loxjie D40) and it supposedly addresses some of the brightness issues that I don't like in the ESS chips. But, really, what drew me to the D300 is the ROHM chip, as it just sounds more like what I expect to hear (i.e. more analog-sounding, more ambiance, and not quite so clean and clinical).

Though, now I'm thinking the Topping E70 Velvet DAC might be a better pairing with the L70 (if something better isn't released by Christmas).

Based on your description, I would also recommend the E70 Velvet and L70 stack.
A very convinced owner of the D300 once brought it with him and found it to be worse than other DACs in a blinded and leveled test. Nothing analogue or more atmosphere.

If you are from the EU and don’t want to wait long, check out the bundle offer for TOPPING L70 + TOPPING E70 VELVET at muzix.eu.
TOPPING L70 + TOPPING E70 VELVET BLACK PACKAGE
The TOPPING D50 III + TOPPING A50 III bundle is also very good and meets your requirements, but is significantly cheaper.
TOPPING D50 III + TOPPING A50 III BLACK PACKAGE

 

[ejr]

Thanks. At this time, the E70 Velvet and L70 both seem to be discounted (from the prices quoted on the reviews I have seen) on Amazon. Just waiting now to see what is released next.