(under) 300$ DAC/AMP for headphones

[Boerd]

I have a Focal Elex, Beyer 880 at 600 Ohms and the Senny HD 650 and I'm looking for a headphone DAC / AMP around 200$. I have sensitive ears so the amp does not need to be powerful.
Currently I have a Chord Mojo that's unreliable (shuts down randomly, battery doesn't charge at all after 18 months, etc.)
Looking for something without battery as I found out that battery and heat produced by DACs do not mix very well - it shortens the life of the battery.
What are the latest greatest in this price range, please? Much appreciated.

So far I found
https://sg.creative.com/p/sound-cards/sound-blasterx-g6
https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/

 

[Memoryerror]

The Topping DX3pro would seem to fit what you are looking for well:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-topping-dx3pro-dac-and-headphone-amp.4967/

 

[Boerd]

Bumped the budget to 300$ but that's the ceiling.

 

[Memoryerror]

Still. Unless you want a separate DAC and Amp.

 

[Boerd]

Still. Unless you want a separate DAC and Amp.

I'd like to keep it simple and reasonably priced... One box.

 

[Jorj]

Currently I have a Chord Mojo that's unreliable (shuts down randomly, battery doesn't charge at all after 18 months, etc.)

A cheaper option, if you're able to handle a screwdriver and hot-glue gun. https://www.hifipro.ca/product/chor...battery-replacement-accessories-international

Otherwise, that DX3Pro will work a treat!

 

[Memoryerror]

If you can bump it $60:

 

[maverickronin]

The DX7s' higer output impedance isn't as good a match with the Elex.

 

[Memoryerror]

I was just thinking that.

 

[Boerd]

If you can bump it $60:
View attachment 18351

Hmm - I don't like the output impedance for headphone (20 ohms) and it is a bit more than I'd like to spend.

 

[Boerd]

A cheaper option, if you're able to handle a screwdriver and hot-glue gun. https://www.hifipro.ca/product/chor...battery-replacement-accessories-international

Otherwise, that DX3Pro will work a treat!

You sir just made my day by pointing me to a battery source for Mojo. IF that was the ONLY problem with my Mojo I'd pay 80$ for the battery - and yes I can handle a screwdriver and hot-glue gun Now I am tempted...

 

[Jorj]

The DX7s' higer output impedance isn't as good a match with the Elex.

But it is close enough to most likely not matter. It just squeaks over the 10x rule. DX7s - 10 ohm, Elex = 80 ohm. Still, the nod goes to the DX3Pro.

 

[Jorj]

You sir just made my day by pointing me to a battery source for Mojo. IF that was the ONLY problem with my Mojo I'd pay 80$ for the battery - and yes I can handle a screwdriver and hot-glue gun Now I am tempted...

My Mojo gets warm, but I obey the 40% rule and never charge while listening, and the battery has lasted a good while. Still, new gear is FUN.

 

[Boerd]

Hmm - DX3Pro vs JDS Objective2 Odac Combo Revb so far it seems.

 

[noel_fs]

Dx3 for the win, mine is about to arrive

 

[Boerd]

Dx3 for the win, mine is about to arrive

Please let me know your impressions.

 

[artnoi]

D10+O2 (my setup) is somewhere near $200 and is more powerful than DX3Pro.

DX3Pro’s only got 2V 6V of output into 300ohm, which I guess won’t be adequate for 600-ohm Beyers, but the Senny be fine (My 250-ohm beyer still needs more than 1x gain from 2V DAC for quiet tracks).

edited: Anyway I also plan to buy DX3Pro as its DAC performance is superior and it has nice bluetooth functionality and digital volume control.

 

[westyjeff]

I have a O2+SDAC for sale, this would be a good all in one for the headphones you have.

 

[pwjazz]

DX3Pro’s only got 2V of output

Where do you get that figure? Amir measured it as putting 123 mW into 300 ohms at high gain without clipping, which is about 6V.

 

[artnoi]

Where do you get that figure? Amir measured it as putting 123 mW into 300 ohms at high gain without clipping, which is about 6V.

oops sorry my mistake, I was looking at DAC output. Thank you for correcting me