Recommendations for DAC/AMP combo, Hifiman Edition XS/IMR Zenith/etc?

[Core-File-Path]

Hi, newbie and ex-lurker here, seeking some advice for a new setup

I'm interested in a iFi Zen Dac V2 or V3 setup, vs a Schiit Vali/Modi/Loki stack, or a JDS Atom stack.

I've heard some criticisms of iFi recently, but enjoy their xBass feature a lot - my favorite setup so far has been IMR Zenith + iFi Go Blu. Outstanding kick and clarity with bands like Def Leppard/Black Sabbath/Poison that I enjoy all the time. I also enjoyed the kick of the V-Moda M100 but now realize it is pretty muddied without EQ at least. I'm ready to try open back headphones in a desktop gaming and media setup. I decided to order a Hifiman Edition XS as my first foray in this field.

In a year or two, I might consider a HE1000 or LCD-X or ZMF as the next step.

Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated! I am slightly concerned of venturing far from my comfort zone in terms of bass and brightness, but being partially for gaming it should be fine anyways.

 

[Dunring]

For the Edition XS I's recommend the Topping DX5 which Drop.com has at a all time low $219. I game a lot and the all in one unit has perfect channel matching, and plenty of power for the XS even if you equalize with a preamp reduction. I've had several for the business and think they look really good too. It's great as a DAC as well, so if down the road you want to add Ampzilla for more power you can keep it.

Topping DX5 DAC/Amp | Audiophile | DACs | Amp Combo DACs | Drop

Drop exclusive price and reviews: Topping DX5 DAC/Amp | Topping’s D-series desktop DACs and amps provide an excellent range of features for a variety of...

drop.com

Also at this price, when the sale ends you could probably sell it and make $50. I've sold them for $345 but this sale is crazy. Great if you're a buyer, but wouldn't try to sell one until the drop is over with. Amir did a review and measurements of them here also. This is a transparent sound, everything you'll hear is going to be source file and headphones.

 

[Core-File-Path]

Thanks a ton for the recommendation. Never looked into it and assumed Topping was out of my price range but that sounds like incredible value. Think I'm going to go with that one, yet another order for Drop do you have any recommendations for an EQ program? Cheers