I used Sundara with ZEN Can - superb quality indeed. The only problem with CAN (as well as with ZEN DAC): from minimum to about 8 o clock there is imbalance between left and right channels (potentiometer issues) - apart from that they match perfectly IMHO
Thx. this could be problematic when using tidal in exclusive mode to process MQA, or any source on mobile phone connected to DAC. Some genres I enjoy such as rock can get too loud at 10'o clock on my hip-dac the cutoff before I notice slight channel imbalance between 9.5-10 o'clock and at 9 it cuts sound completely. Although its no problem when using on my MAC where I can use digital volume allowing me to normalize volume. This allows me to use my fairly bright IEMs such as FH5 that need bass boost,
Anyway, I decided to go first for versatility before investing more money into dac/amp gear. I will probably get a pair of closed headphones in addition to my open back Sundaras which will allow me to listen in the office, thinking of going DT770 80/250Ohm or ATH-MSR7. Then desktop DAC/amp combo for my desk office in my bedroom using a nice stack stand to allow me to fit it in my crowded desk already
.
I am leaning toward:
- Zen DAC + CAN: having 4.4mm output which I already utilize is nice but for short cable 5ft there shouldn't really any difference between balanced and SE.
- Schiit Modi + Magni - I love that they don't take a lot of space
- Schiit Modius + Magnius with 4.4mm-XLR adapter or XLR cable: definitely will need careful space desk organization as these things look huge