Hi all,
I'm planning to get a dedicated balanced DAC for my new active Genelec 8030C speakers. My budget is around 200€ and will probably be buying from audiophonics.fr
I need a DAC with volume control and a remote, three digital ins (for Chromecast audio, TV and laptop) and that measures decently well. Bonus for TRS connection instead of XLR as I already own the cables, but buying XLR-XLR cables would not break the bank, so it's not a deal breaker.
My shortlist includes SMSL D6-s and the E50 from topping, but I am also considering this SMSL DL200 as for a similar amount of money I would also get a headphone amp. I was thinking about getting into the headphone game eventually with the classic HD 650, so this seemed like a good option, although balanced line out to my active speakers is the highest priority.
I have read some of the comments in this thread talking about popping issues when changing bit rates between songs with active speakers and the USB output. However, it is unclear if this is still a thing. If so, I think it would drive me crazy and I'd better remove the DL200 from the shortlist. Is anyone aware of what is the current state of this issue? Also, why would this only happen here and not in the D6-s which seems to have a very similar architecture?
As a small aside, would you recommend any other DACs to add to the shortlist?
Thanks!!!