I'm searching for a new DAC + AMP (combination is fine but I'm also open to separates) and I have a (max) $1500 budget. This will be used 99.9% of the time connected to my desktop PC or my MacBook Pro. I have a couple of pairs of headphones that I've been using (Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X and Massdrop x AKG K7XX). I've also been borrowing the Focal Clear Mg from my neighbor and I've fallen in love with them (and hope to buy a pair myself over the summer!). Most of my music is ALAC with a small percentage in FLAC. With all of that in mind, I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to offer some recommendations? I've been looking at the Topping DX9 and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS but obviously there are a *lot* of other options out there. Thanks very much for your thoughts!
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Recommendations under $1500?
- Thread starter bmt22033
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unpluggged
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Between these two the choice is obvious.
There are no other options within your budget, but the ADI-2 Pro FS R would be worth considering.
RME is solid.
The Bluesound Node Icon applies Dirac to its THX AAA headphone out, so you could use Dirac for a really really sophisticated headphone EQ. It’s in queue for measurements by Amir, but it’s XLR out is very good. Extremely low noise.
The Bluesound Node Icon applies Dirac to its THX AAA headphone out, so you could use Dirac for a really really sophisticated headphone EQ. It’s in queue for measurements by Amir, but it’s XLR out is very good. Extremely low noise.
Roland68
Major Contributor
I was already a fan of the Topping DX9 when it was released because of its many small technical features and the old AK4499 4-channel DAC chip. This has only increased since I heard it and compared it with other devices. The power at 32 ohms is 6 watts, four times as high as that of the RME.
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS has a few other features, e.g. EQ. You have to work out for yourself what is important to you.
I see the DX9 as slightly better than the ADI-2 DAC FS, but that is my personal experience (which no one has to share) and I am only talking about nuances here. I could live well with both without missing anything (except for power with my HE6se V2 on the RME).
For separate devices, I would recommend my current budget/performance (7 watts at 32 ohms) combination, which costs less than half, can run completely balanced and has built-in EQ via USB, D50 III and L70.
In terms of price, there is a wide range of devices available. For HPA, I can think of the Singxer SA-1 V2 or the new and really good Aune S17 Pro EVO (I had to slap myself on the wrist not to order it straight away when I recently listened to it at a friend's house).
For DACs, you just need to take a look at the Sinad list, but I can't hear any differences between the D50 III and more expensive devices, for example, and if I do, the differences are so subtle that they wouldn't pass a blind test. I would go by features and appearance.
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Thanks, all, for the replies. The RME certainly seems well regarded by many of you and I've looked closer at it. Second only to good sound quality, for me, would be reliability. If I'm spending this much money on a DAC/AMP, I'd really like it to last for a very long time. I've not seen a lot of reliability complaints about the RME. I have seen a few people say that they've had issues with Topping and that the RMA/repair process can be time consuming and costly which is probably something I need to consider (but obviously, there's no guarantee with anything I buy!). Would you all generally agree that it's very unlikely that I would be able to distinguish a difference in sound quality between the DX9 and the ADI-2?
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I’m pretty sure there are some people here who would dare you, power levels aside, to find a sound quality difference between the Apple dongle and the ADI-2!
Topping A70/D70 Pro stack seems to be popular!
As others have said, the RME unit has great after-sales support whereas SMSL/Topping might not.
Personally, I prefer the look of the DX9 though.
To be perfectly honest, you really don't need to invest $1500.
DAC's with HPA's hit diminishing returns well below that.
WondrousHippo said it best!
As others have said, the RME unit has great after-sales support whereas SMSL/Topping might not.
Personally, I prefer the look of the DX9 though.
To be perfectly honest, you really don't need to invest $1500.
DAC's with HPA's hit diminishing returns well below that.
WondrousHippo said it best!
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kemmler3D
Master Contributor
I haven't messed with RME but based on comments I've seen here over time, RME has a much stronger reputation for reliability and service than Topping. If I was going to spend that kind of money on a DAC (I wouldn't except maybe for a serious project studio) it would probably be RME.
