Which DACs with good headphone amp have Analogue input

[xlinknz]

Hi

What DACs that have a quality headphone amp also have analogue input to listening to allow listening to a turntable via the headphone output on the DAC i.e. I'd connect my pre amplifier tape out to to the DACs analogue in

I know the Wimm Ultra does this but I read the headphone circuit isn't as good as say a Topping DX5 II, are there others to consider?

 

[LTig]

RME: the ADI-2 PRO series has an analog input for line level sources. The ADI-2/4 PRO also supports phono pickups (MM). You pay a price for this and many other great features.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Hi

What DACs that have a quality headphone amp also have analogue input to listening to allow listening to a turntable via the headphone output on the DAC i.e. I'd connect my pre amplifier tape out to to the DACs analogue in

I know the Wimm Ultra does this but I read the headphone circuit isn't as good as say a Topping DX5 II, are there others to consider?

DACs only ever have digital inputs (it's in the name - Digital to Analogue Converter) such as S/PDIF or USB.

What you are looking for is a either 1. a DAC combined with a preamplifier facility. Or 2. an "interface", which has a DAC and an ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter).

Generally, both of the above tend to be line-level only, so to listen to a turntable you would need a standalone phono preamplifier or a turntable with a built-in phono preamplifier. As @LTig suggested, the RME ADI 2/4 is a rare interface with ADC and phono amplifier capability.

 

[Sokel]

Get a miniDSP Pocket ADC or an Adept and you're done.

 

[staticV3]

What DACs that have a quality headphone amp also have analogue input to listening to allow listening to a turntable via the headphone output on the DAC i.e. I'd connect my pre amplifier tape out to to the DACs analogue in

FiiO's K series includes DAC+Amps with analog RCA input.

 

[nagster]

I did a quick test on the FIIOK15 the other day and found its performance to be mediocre.
However, if your sound source is a turntable then it may perform well enough, and it's rare to find a DAC preamp with a line input at an affordable price.

I've attached some of the measurements I made at that time.
The inputs are unbalanced line, balanced line and TOS, and the output is XLR line.
Due to issues with the 4.4mm conversion adapter, only the left channel of the balanced line input was measured.
Headphone output has not been measured.
The volume knob is small and thin, making it difficult to turn (infinitely rotary).
Despite the large number of settings, the menu is easy to understand and the operation response is quick (touch panel + rotary encoder).

 

[Eternaloptimist35]

Luxsin X9.

 

[Roland68]

Hi

What DACs that have a quality headphone amp also have analogue input to listening to allow listening to a turntable via the headphone output on the DAC i.e. I'd connect my pre amplifier tape out to to the DACs analogue in

I know the Wimm Ultra does this but I read the headphone circuit isn't as good as say a Topping DX5 II, are there others to consider?

Most of these devices are prohibitively expensive, even though adding an analog input to a DAC with HPA isn't a big deal. But the manufacturers haven't yet grasped this.

I would advise you to use the DAC of your choice (the DX5 II is definitely not bad) and use a MiniDSP ADC for around €70-80 on one of the digital inputs. By placing the ADC directly on the preamp, you also eliminate any influence on the analog cable path, as it's no longer there.
I can confirm from experience that this is a solution that has absolutely no negative impact on the sound.

 

[jkim]

At only $199, the new Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC/HP amp does accept RCA analog inputs to be routed to its internal headphone amp. It can also work as an analog preamp.

 

[Hapo]

what's wrong with the Topping DX5II

 

[staticV3]

what's wrong with the Topping DX5II

No analog input.

Also, Topping Tune and the onboard PEQ are buggy.