Recommendation for budget DAC + Headphone Amp + Preamp under $500

[jcebedo11]

Hello! Im looking for recommendations for the best value all in one DAC/headphone amp/Preamp with balanced out. Im looking at the SMSL M500 as a candidate. Is there any other units worth considering? Thanks!

 

[Iglo]

Maybe the Topping DX7 Pro would also be suitable?

 

[Patrick1958]

Hello! Im looking for recommendations for the best value all in one DAC/headphone amp/Preamp with balanced out. Im looking at the SMSL M500 as a candidate. Is there any other units worth considering? Thanks!

Sabaj D5

 

[Cahudson42]

Why the need for an all-in-one? Lots more choices if you might consider paired discretes.. Might gain performance and/or save a bit..

For example, for $110 there is the 'all-in-one' Qudelix 5k. Has a 10- band PEQ for optimising your speaker and/or HP response, and room corrections. Nice addition. Does have balanced out. But the DAC SINAD is likely (untested by Amir so far) to be SOA, and the amp possibly underpowered for your particular HP.. But for another $100 - $200 you could easily add a follow on amp to solve that, if needed.

The Qudelix sure seems to me a candidate for 'best value' at $110.
Just saying...

 

[jcebedo11]

Why the need for an all-in-one? Lots more choices if you might consider paired discretes.. Might gain performance and/or save a bit..

For example, for $110 there is the 'all-in-one' Qudelix 5k. Has a 10- band PEQ for optimising your speaker and/or HP response, and room corrections. Nice addition. Does have balanced out. But the DAC SINAD is likely (untested by Amir so far) to be SOA, and the amp possibly underpowered for your particular HP.. But for another $100 - $200 you could easily add a follow on amp to solve that, if needed.

The Qudelix sure seems to me a candidate for 'best value' at $110.
Just saying...

I like the simplicity of the all in one but Im open to discretes as well. Its just more equipment to explore and research.