DAC/AMP Combo Recommendations - Headfonia Reviews

On this page you’ll find the DAC/AMP Combo recommendations of this moment. This is an ever evolving list and the units are ranked from cheap to expensive.

Portable DAC/AMP

FiiO E10K TC [Added 12/09/2021]

The new FiiO E10K TC is a nice release from FiiO as it shows they’re still believing their legendary product in terms of performance. For just 82$, you get great output power and a neutral sound signature with great detail, resolution, and transparency. This is an unbeatable performance for the price.

If you are looking for a tiny device to drive your full-size headphones, I don’t know whether there’s a cheaper option than the E10K TC.

$82,99 from FiiO

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e10k-tc-review/

ddHifi TC44B [Added 28/12/2020]

The market of compact DAC/AMP modules is getting stronger and better each month. ddHifi with all of their units, and especially this TC44B, prove they are one of the most important players when it comes to high price/performance ratios in miniature-sized portable units.

For $89 USD you get a pocketable and surprisingly well-performing DAC/AMP which you can use with both your laptop as well as your smartphone. At this price level, I really don’t have anything in my portable collections that come close to the performance of the ddHifi TC44B. It’s an easily recommended buy at this price. Well done ddHifi.

€89 from ddHifi

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/ddhifi-tc44b-review/

E1DA 9038D [Added 07/09/2021]

In my opinion, Ivan’s 9038D is an engineering marvel. It is a great achievement to be able to squeeze such a high-performance device into such a small chassis, which not only performs well on paper but also in real life.

The E1DA deserves maybe 2, maybe 3 times the price tag and if you’re looking for a DAC to carry with you, you should absolutely check it out. It is easy-to-use, practical and multifunctional. I had trouble finding anything negative about it!

$99 from E1DA

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/e1da-9038d-review/

FiiO K3 2021 (K3s) [Added 09/09/2021]

The new FiiO K3s (or K3 2021 as some call it) is a wonderful device with a great DAC chip and features. Its sleek modern design, plug & play function, and tremendous sound quality for its size are great qualities for the ones who are looking for a tiny device to use with laptops and PCs.

I strongly recommend the FiiO K3s to anyone who’s looking for a laptop companion. If you want to improve your music experience compared to the onboard DAC chips of your PCs, this is the way to go.

$119,99 from FiiO

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/fiio-k3s-review

EarMen Eagle [Added 01/10/2020]

Build quality is superb, performances are on-par with AudioQuest and NuPrime, with MQA support and very clever design. Out of the three (Hi-mDAC/Dragonfly RED/Eagle), this one feels like the sweet spot and if you were to choose one all-rounder, this would be it.

Paired with a good pair of IEM’s, like the FiiO FH3 or the new iBasso IT00 and you’ll be good for quite some time, on a tight budget. A great bang for a buck, that goes straight into my recommendation list.

€119 from EarMen

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-eagle-review/

Nuprime Audio Hi-mDac [Added 02/04/2020]

Sometimes, I don’t want to bother carrying my DAP, no matter how good it is. But, as soon as I leave, I’m hit by the low level of performance shown by my iPhone. Okay, it’s not “Fisher price-quality” as Neil Young would say, but it’s enough for me to regret. And, this is where the Nuprime Hi-mDAC really comes to shine. It’s better than most of my entry-level DAP, small enough to fit my phone, and most of all: it makes a REAL upgrade, sound-wise. I’m sure that 90% of our readers have already tried a USB-DAC, but for those of you who didn’t, this may be the time.

Paired with a good pair of IEM’s, like the Fearless S8F, or even the BGVP DM6, I’m pretty sure that most of you will be blown away and realize how far we have come!

€139 from Nuprime

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/nuprime-hi-mdac-review/

Fiio Q3 [Added: 29/10/2020]

Unsurprisingly, the FiiO Q3 is excellent in almost every regard. It kept everything we liked on the Q1 Mark II, and pushed things even further. It sounds even more spacious, packs enough power to drive my good old planars, and whatever the source, I was able to connect the DAC hassle-free.

If you own a Q1 Mark II, this time I can confidently advise you to up your game and get the new Q3. Sound-wise, the difference isn’t massive, but if you take into account all the various ergonomics improvements, the scale really weighs towards the new Q3. A great addition for those who seek an affordable all-in-one, and the best device for audiophile beginners: feed it well and the Q3 will grow on you.

149$ from Fiio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/fiio-q3-review/

Lotoo PAW S1 [Added: 09/07/2020]

Overall the PAW S1 comes with Lotoo’s neutral but natural house sound. It adds some body to instruments and musicians, but also comes equipped with high skills in technical abilities. As a simple DAC/Amp dongle solution I think it absolutely wins. People who don’t see the benefit of a Digital Audio Player but still want a higher quality experience should certainly take the Lotoo PAW S1 on their shortlist. On top of the great sound you also get superb EQ/ATE pre-settings that fit your current situation and two gain settings should you need it to go to eleven. Just remember, that the quality of your music files really matters with the PAW S1. Say no to resampling.

For me personally, the PAW S1 is an excellent alternative to my DAPs. Although it still won’t replace my PAW 6000 when I’m out and about. But as a fall-back solution, I keep the S1 with me on all my trips.

For less than 200 USD this is a fantastic device and it gets a very strong recommendation from me.

169$ from Lotoo

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/lotoo-paw-s1-review/

iFi Audio hip-dac 2 [Added: 02/12/2021]

The iFi hip-dac 2 has only one goal; improving your sound quality compared to the direct outputs of laptops and smartphones. After the time I’ve had with this device, I can smoothly say that it reaches that goal. The previous hip-dac was also quite successful on that. However, iFi put some small but rather important updates to the device to make it even better.

With its engaging mid-forward presentation the hip-dac 2 is a great companion for a music lover or a starting audiophile. There’s better detail and better separation than the first version as well.

189 $ from iFi Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/ifi-audio-hip-dac-2-review/

EarMen Sparrow [Added 19/07/2020]

EarMen with the Sparrow promised a lot but they also delivered in all possible ways. For only $199 you get a US/EU product with a single-ended as well as a balanced output, and especially the latter one is magical. The Sparrow is an affordable and tiny device that you can carry around with you at all times. Just hook it up to your phone or laptop and be amazed at how good it sounds.

The Sparrow is a very easy product to recommend at this price point, and it joins the best of the best on our Recommended DAC/AMP buy list. If you want a small, portable DAC/AMP with a balanced output, there’s no doubt at all about which one to get.

$199 from EarMen

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-sparrow-review/

Violectric Chronos [Added 28/11/2021]

Violectric Chronos is the best USB dongle I’ve ever listened to. As the first-ever portable product from Violectric, this is quite a success. The Chronos has excellent build quality, simple operation, and a minimalistic design with elegance.

The sound quality is excellent and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a tiny laptop/smartphone DAC/Amp companion on the go. The price is a bit steep compared to other USB dongles, but I’m sure you’ll be surprised by the sound when you try it with your phone/PC.

If you don’t like to carry an additional DAP with you, you can get the Chronos and have an almost entry-level DAP performance in a miniature chassis.

€199 from Violectric

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/violectric-chronos-review/

NextDrive Spectra X

Nathan is back with a review of the NextDrive Taiwan Spectra X, the original Spectra’s highly awaited successor. Spectra X blows his mind with great benchmarks, low noise floor, and basically all the performance of a mid or high-end DAP but for a fraction of the price, size, and complication. Fully recommended in all possible ways!

$190 from Nextdrive

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-nextdrive-spectra-x/

iFi Audio Nano iDSD Black Label

iFi has delivered marvelous work with the BL version of the Nano iDSD. Although I’ve never had a chance to test the original version, I can easily say this is an amazing DAC/AMP for the price. I’m not sure you can ever find better technicalities from a device that costs this little. I’m sure the Micro iDSD BL is also very very good in its own price range. People say this one sounds close to the Micro version and if I ever listen to that one I will edit this review at that time. A superb little device, for those who are looking for a nice DAC/AMP that can give a good amount of power for not extremely hard-to-drive headphones, and with a competitive price. If you also like to listen to your in-ear monitors with these types of devices, I just can’t recommend it enough. It’s flexible, built to last, useful, and compact. Most importantly, it sounds flawless for the money. Just go for it.

€239 from iFi

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-ifi-audio-nano-idsd-black-label/

EarMen TR-Amp [Added 31/03/2020]

It was quite fun to review a DAC/Amp unit again after all this time and the TR-Amp pleasantly surprised me with its transparency and dynamics. You get a detailed and energetic sound, combined with a musical delivery. What’s not to like? For the $249 USD / €279 Euro price it is selling for, you get a lot in return. Actually, way more than I was initially expecting and as such I have to put this on our list of recommended DAC/Amps to buy.

$249 / €279 from EarMen

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-tr-amp-review/

xDuoo XD-05 Plus [Added 30/06/2020]

The xDuoo XD-05 Plus follows the path carved by its predecessor. A great-sounding, versatile, DAC/AMP, that supports almost every source thanks to its wide range of inputs.

The brand took all the good points found in the “regular” version and polished them. Better sound stage, finer highs, empowered lows, and the same delightfully natural sound signature. As before, this is a device that you won’t grow tired of listening to, even after weeks or months. Plus, now that xDuoo gave the XD-05 a USB-C port, it’s virtually future-proof. Bulky case? Yes. Great design? Also. Would I recommend it? For sure!

$269 from xDuoo

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/xduoo-xd-05-plus-review/

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt

Now does all this mean you need to upgrade to the Cobalt? No, not really as the RED still is really good as well and sells for a very fair price. Yes, as the DragonFly Cobalt is better, more natural. And if you like technicalities, you’ll for sure prefer the latest version. Some on the other hand will prefer the typical tuning of the RED over that of the new Cobalt.

If you don’t have a DragonFly yet, I would recommend going for the Cobalt for sure as it’s the best of the trio. The RED still is a really nice alternative if you’re on a lower budget or if you prefer RED’s tuning, of course.

$299 from AudioQuest

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/audioquest-dragonfly-cobalt-review/

 

Luxury & Precision W2 [Added 26/10/2021]

The Luxury & Precision W2 is one of the better USB DAC/AMP dongles I have tried and the price/quality ratio is very nice. It also offers a whole lot of tuning options and it has a nice little screen on top of it. If you like a full bodied sound with a high level of technicalities as well as bigger bass and easy treble, and that delivered in a smoother and warmer way, then the L&P W2 dongle will be perfect for you.

$299.99 from L&P

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/luxury-precision-w2-review/

 

xDuoo XD05 BAL

The xDuoo XD-05 BAL is a brilliant DAC/AMP, taking advantage of all the features introduced in previous generations: versatile design, complete I/O, excellent sound.

Once again, the brand didn’t reinvent the wheel and took all the good points found in the basic and plus version, and polished them. Balanced circuit with a 4.4mm output, Bluetooth chipset, no more channel imbalance, and the same sound signature. Add a mind-blowing bundle with an excellent price/performance ratio.

$429 from xDuoo

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/xduoo-xd-05-bal-review/

Chord Electronics Mojo

It’s impossible not to put the Chord Mojo on this list. Mojo is small & Mojo is very good and a s a result Mojo is a big all over the world. It has two 3.5mm headphone outputs and sports a Micro USB, Optical and Coaxial input. It works with phones, DAPs, and computers and it without a doubt will upgrade your listening experience. Mojo isn’t cheap but gives a lot in return. Some say it sounds smooth, others say it sounds digital but it does sound good. Its big brother HUGO is better equipped to drive some full-sized headphones though. Nevertheless, this is THE DAC/AMP combo ever since it was released in London.

$499 from Chord Electronics

Review 1: https://headfonia.com/review-chord-mojo-the-chosen-one/

Review 2: https://headfonia.com/review-chord-mojo-hot-or-not/

Dethonray Honey H1 [Added 14/01/2021]

The Dethonray Honey H1 is one of the best portable DAC/Amplifiers in the market right now. The key part here is the synergy with your earphones/headphones. Together with great output power, the sound quality is also exceptional. It’s almost like a Hugo¹ in 2021 with a smaller form factor.

The 2.0 software version fixed almost everything and the Dethonray Honey H1 is no doubt a formidable device that will hold its own in the DAC/Amp market. As long as you have a good synergy, this device is an absolute joy to listen to. A great all-in-one solution with great versatility.

$699 from Dethonray

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/dethonray-honey-h1-review/

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature [Added 31/12/2020]

The iFi Micro iDSD Signature is surely a special unit. It is an excellent performer with a premium build, design, and internal components. It’s also very versatile with outputs and features. If you need something more out of a DAC/Amp then I don’t know what else would fulfill that. When it comes to sound, iFi always delivers and the Signature is no exception.

The original Black Label was already an awesome unit itself, and the Signature follows suit with the MQA certification, 4.4mm BAL output, additional S-Balanced feature for the 3.5mm output, and improved internal components.

$699 from iFi Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/ifi-micro-idsd-signature-review/

CEntrance HiFi-M8 V2 [Added 04/03/2021]

As I remember how good and special it was back in 2013, I was expecting a lot from this 20th anniversary V2 version of the CEntrance HiFi-M8. And to be honest, it has delivered.

No, it’s probably not the best measuring unit in the world, but the HiFi-M8 is a neutrally tuned, highly dynamic, and musical DAC/AMP combo. It to me technically performs well and it offers a lot of connectivity and output options. Sound-wise the HiFi-M8 V2 is natural, exciting, balanced, and musical. What’s not to like?

There is a lot of good to great portable DAC/AMP units on the market but they don’t offer the same and multiple outputs and connection options the HiFi-M8 V2 offers. Looking at its price and performance, mixed with a bit of nostalgia, I can only recommend this unit to anyone who is in the market for one of these devices.

$750 from CEntrance

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/centrance-hifi-m8-v2-review/

Woo Audio WA11 Topaz

The WA11 is one of the rare portable products that really knows how to handle the more complex to drive cans. It brings a performance to the table that’s in the class of desktop gear. Headphones like the Diana Phi or Empyrean I enjoy most when driven by the WA11. It just makes them sound stunning. It is impressive what kind of quality Woo Audio has achieved with the WA11.

The topaz is an impressive DAC/Amp that has been a pleasure to explore. If you’re in the market for an excellent transportable solution that drives any headphones under the sun, you have to give the WA11 serious consideration. If you can, go to your closest dealer and try it for yourself and let it convince you.

1,399$ from Woo Audio

Review: https://headfonia.com/woo-audio-wa11-review

Chord Electronics Hugo 2

The original Hugo was regarded as a landmark in portable audio, and I think its offspring will follow in its footsteps. You get real desktop-class sound quality in a transportable package. It sounds really good with all ears and headphones I have used it with, and I am very much looking forward to trying out many more in the future.

If you are in the game for a high-end DAC that appears to also be used on the go with your smartphone or DAP, the Hugo 2 is definitely worth serious consideration. The Hugo quickly won me over and has become my main DAC/amp at the office and my desktop DAC at home – it simply is that good. A recommended buy? How the hell could it not?!

$2195 from Chord Electronics

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-chord-hugo-2-ruler-of-sound/

Woo Audio WA8 Eclipse

The Woo WA8 is tube-powered and it was chosen as the best DAC/AMP of 2016 here on Headfonia.com. The WA8 can handle sensitive monitors, high impedance dynamic headphones, and current hungry orthodynamics. The WA8 delivers a whole lot of detail and the sound is clear, clean, and fast. While it often is the case that the amplifier section in AMP/DAC combos is better than the DAC section, the WA8 actually sounds its best as a combo. Oh and it’s so pretty.

$1799 from Woo Audio

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-woo-audio-wa8-eclipse-new-transportable-king/

 

Desktop DAC/AMP

Creative Sound Blaster X3 [Added 15/04/2020]

The Creative Sound Blaster X3 offers real audiophile performances and gaming/home-theater versatility, at a really low cost. We are talking sub-$150 gear here, price-range where you usually go chi-fi or go home. And this is the strength of the X3: you get chi-fi sound quality – and build quality to be fair – from an established brand. The name doesn’t sound awkward, customer service is available in bazillions languages, and most of all: you can get this DAC from your local shop, almost anywhere in the world.

Are they better DAC/Amp out there? Of course. At this price point?  Not so sure… With as much features? Even less… So yeah, if like me you want to reintroduce some Sound Blaster in your life, lend your ears to Creative. In the process, you may even end up with a very good DAC, able to feed both your headphones and your speakers. A win-win situation if I may say so.

$129 from Creative

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/creative-sound-blaster-x3-review/

SMSL SU-6 & SH-6 [Added 23/01/2022]

SMSL got off to a pretty quick start to the year with this combo. I didn’t think I’d be awarding the first product they launched in 2022, but this industry is full of surprises. The stack offers excellent build quality and stands out in terms of ease of use. 

The SU-6 & SH-6 stack offers excellent performance for the money and outperforms its rivals in the sub-300 price bracket, therefore, we found it fair to award the stack with the HFN Recommendation. The stack offers a complete package for those who want to own a solid DAC & AMP combo that can also offer high-quality wireless sound.

$288 from SMSL

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/smsl-su6-sh6-review/

Burson Audio Play

There’s no way to exaggerate the utility, performance, and overall OCD fun of Play. Burson nailed it. If you need or want power, 299$ will get you to power out the wazoo. If you want compatibility with DSD and other hi-res formats, bingo. If you want to eat your cake, too, Play is as reliable and stable an amp/DAC as I’ve ever tested. I’ve started mentioning prices; it’s something I didn’t want to do. It’s easy to get ugly. But gosh, I’ll be damned if Play hasn’t nailed the competition’s coffin shut. Buy it and forget about it. Add some new op-amps if you want. And be secure in your purchase, because it’s a hell of a deal.

$299 from Burson Audio

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-burson-play/

JDS Labs Atom+ Stack [Added 19/09/2021]

o say how much better it could get, they continue to surprise me by finding something to improve. Of course, this makes me very happy because there are not many alternatives in this price range that offer this kind of performance. Thanks to the rising prices, the number of desktop products under $100 is decreasing steadily, and it is truly admirable that JDS is still defending the sub-100 castle. I hope they continue to do so because the Atom+ stack offers an excellent price to performance ratio thanks to its brilliant sound performance. Apart from sound, the devices are well-made and JDS has improved the plastic thanks to the mold injection and 3d tech. It is also pleasing that they have not given up on the stylish design with the iconic light ring.

$308 from JDS Labs

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/jds-labs-atom-stack-review/

ShenzhenAudio & Topping EX5 [Added 09/08/2021]

I’m very pleased with the Shenzhen and Topping EX5. The collab device offers excellent performance and a wide feature set for the price. The build quality is excellent, like usual, the sockets, plugs, and buttons feel very sturdy. The device does not take much space, looks really good, and plays just as well.

Taking the design, performance, and price into account, the EX5 is a strong contender in the sub-500 price bracket. To me, it is very easy to award it with our Recommended Buy Award.  The Shenzhen & Topping EX5 now has a spot on our Recommended DAC/AMP combo buying list.

$349 from ShenzhenAudio & Topping

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/shenzenaudio-topping-ex5-review/

JDS Labs The Element

JDS Labs The Element V1.53b

The Element combines a smooth digital stage with a balanced amplifier, which makes this combo unit very intriguing and capable of sounding great with a lot of ear and headphones. The fact that it has a dead-silent background is very well received. It’s hard to find a desktop amplifier in this price range that offers the possibility to be used with efficient in-ear monitors and hard to drive over-ear headphones. The build quality is outstanding and if you can live with the limited file format support, I suggest you start taking a closer look at this one. Overall, the Element delivers more than enough power to drive any headphones I have at home. For the price it’s going for, I think you will have a tough time finding something similarly great performing.

$349 from JDS Labs

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-jds-labs-the-element-v2/

Topping E50 & L50 Combo [Added 19/10/2021]

Topping and SMSL have been designing excellent devices since last year and now you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a proper DAC or AMP to pair with your favorite equipment. The competition is always good for the consumer and we are quite happy with the recent advancements. 

The E50 and L50 stack offers excellent performance for the money and easily outperforms their price tag, therefore, we found it fair to award the stack with the HFN Recommendation. If you’re looking for a solid desktop DAC & AMP combo, make sure you give this combo a listen. You will not regret it.

$498 from Topping

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/topping-e50-l50-review/

 

SMSL SU-8s & SH-8s Combo  [Added 20/06/2021]

SMSL has been designing incredible devices since the last year and they have achieved a marvelous success rate. I hope they will continue their success streak and continue to bring us products with a great price to performance ratios. The SMSL SU-8s & SH-8s stack performs above my expectations and it is definitely not a stripped version of the SU-9 & SH-9. SMSL designed them from the ground up and they did a great job too. 

They outperform their price tag and they deserve the HFN recommendation award, without any doubts. Be sure to try them if you are looking to upgrade your desktop rig. You won’t be disappointed.

$558 from SMSL

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/smsl-su8s-sh8s-review/

Topping DX7 Pro [Added 02/08/2020]

You keep reading over and over again that the DX7 Pro and Topping gear, in general, is great, and it’s no different this time. The DX7 Pro is impressive as a DAC/AMP selling for only $599.  Of course, there are always better units but the DX7 Pro certainly is outperforming its price point and many of the more expensive competitors on the market.

What I like about the DX7 Pro is how small it is on your desk but how big it is in performance. It doesn’t only look great but it sounds great too with a whole set of headphones. It becomes extra nice when you look at all the digital inputs and how well it performs as a DAC only. If you’re in the market for an excellent performing mid-fi DAC/AMP that will keep you happy for a very long time, the DX7 Pro is one for your shortlist.  The only downsides? It’s lightweight and the fact it doesn’t do MQA, but then again, who cares about that. Right?

$599,99 from Topping

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/topping-dx7-pro-review/

iFi Audio NEO iDSD [Added 08/04/2021]

The iFi Audio NEO iDSD is a hell of a unit. It is an excellent performer with a premium build, design, and internal components. It’s also very versatile with outputs and features. It covers every possible usage scenario, and in terms of sound performance, it’s also excellent with a neutral approach that allows you to add the signature of your speakers/headphones.

It has an unmistakable design, a nice user experience, great sound performance with excellent resolution, and last but not least, you can use it with basically everything. It’s certainly a great home audio device.

$699 from iFi Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/ifi-audio-neo-idsd-review/

xDuoo TA-30 [Added 14/07/2020]

The xDuoo TA-30 is the best DAC-AMP of the brand, to no one’s surprise. It’s insanely powerful, supports almost every source, and will be a great all-rounder device for anyone in need of a tube-headphone amplifier + USB DAC. The brand simply took all the good points of the TA-20 and TA-10, then pushed it to the limit. Amazing sound stage, powerful lows, sweet highs, and blissful vocals. If you want to discover the tube world, for a “relatively” low price, this is one of the best offers at the moment. My only drawback is the lack of an IEM mode, but there is the XD-05 plus for that.

$709 from xDuoo

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/xduoo-ta-30-review/

Astell&Kern Acro L1000

I’ve never been the biggest fan of DAC/AMP combo’s but the Acro L1000 has won me over. AK gave it a high-end, audiophile tuning and the result is very impressive. Not only does the L1000 sound great it also looks gorgeous, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. On top of that, it’s also a very versatile unit that has a large number of single-end and balanced outputs, as well as a 15W/channel speaker output. The Astell&Kern Acro L1000 is a do-it-all unit and if you like top-level neutral tuning and have headphones, earphones, and small/high impedance speakers then the L1000 really is the only unit you need. The only bad things I can say about it are the lack of inputs and the limited effect of the sound filters, but AK – also in their DAPs – swears to minimalist changes.

$899 from Astell&Kern

Review: https://headfonia.com/review-astellkern-acro-l1000

Burson Audio Conductor 3x [Added 25/02/2020] and 3XP [Added 09/06/2020]

With the Conductor, 3X Burson has created a solid piece of equipment. It shows exemplary engineering on all fronts. The case is crafted at a high level, the internal layout is a beauty to look at and the sound completely convinces. I do have some negative remarks about it though. Like the missing channel information on the back, the not-so-good-looking 4-pin XLR connector, and the missing gain information on the screen. And maybe the remote control that doesn’t allow you to turn the unit off or switch outputs. The biggest issue for me though is the background noise you get with more sensitive headphones.

The sound the Conductor 3X produces is wonderfully neutral, balanced, and natural. It brings excellent body, resolution, and enjoyment to both my speakers and headphones. Its high-powered output gives enough juice to make any headphone blast. But on top, it also makes them really sing. When it comes to amplifiers, it’s not all about the power, the implementation is far more important. And Burson definitely made a high-quality product that wins.

$2, 144 from Burson Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/burson-conductor-3x-review/

If you want a slimmed-down, cheaper version of the 3X, the 3X Performance is the unit to look at.

I honestly do feel it outperforms its price level. It’s the kind of amp that drives all different types of headphones with ease and from the test results, we can obviously say it matches well with all kinds of headphones. The 3XP will make your headphone sound best, it being the $6000 USD Hifiman or the $130 USD Beyerdynamic DT770/32. The 3XP might be the Conductor 3X Reference’s little brother, but there’s not little in the performance of this unit. This for many will easily be an end-game unit.

$1.344 USD from Burson Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/burson-conductor-3xP-review/

Violectric DHA V590 [Added 01/04/2021]

The Violectric DHA V590 is a strong all-around performer. In the beginning, I wasn’t too impressed with the internal DAC, but the more I used the unit, the more I used it as a DAC/AMP combo. They’re just made and tuned for each other. Headphone wise the HDA V590 is a great all-around performer as well. No matter the driver technology used in the headphone, the V590 will sound really good to great with at least 90% of the headphones you hook up to it. My absolute favorite being the Audeze LCD-XC.

The DHA V590 also is a great pre-amp and it at the moment is the only pre-amp I am using in my office system. I tried not using it, but I keep getting drawn back to it, as it makes my favorite tunes sound more complete. As is the case very often, you only know what you’re missing when you don’t have it anymore and this perfectly describes how I feel about its preamp function. The Violectric DHA V590 doesn’t come cheap, especially with the upgraded volume control, but it’s an excellent higher-end all-in-one unit and a – dare I say it? Yes, I do – End Game device for many.

€3.281,73 from Violectric

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/violectric-dha-v590-review/

Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition [Added 18/05/2021]

The Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is the first device that’s come along that has genuinely made me believe that the ‘future is here’ when it comes to how we can enjoy listening to headphones. I cannot overstate how impressive the total product experience of this device is, from the first opening of the box to the time that you have to switch it off and say “good night” to it at the end of the day. Naim has absolutely knocked it out of the park in terms of building a one-box solution that provides you with the ability to simply grab a pair of headphones, and start playing music into them from any number of sources – and that’s selling it short.

Calling it a DAC/amp/preamp/streamer doesn’t begin to explain the benefits of the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition – it’s so much more. The day has come where you can genuinely enjoy listening to all your favorite music, without needing a single source device plugged into it, or even a computer – simply add your streaming platform of choice into the Naim app, and you’re off to the races. Add to this the fact that its headphone performance is absolutely terrific, and you have a stone-cold winner on your hands. $3,299 certainly isn’t cheap, but the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is worth every penny – it rewrites the value equation, and then some. Trust me, you’re not going to want to buy another ‘box’ to park on your desk for a long, long time. An unreserved recommendation, the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition goes straight to our ‘Recommended’ list.

€3.299 from Naim

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/naim-uniti-atom-headphone-edition-review/

Chord Electronics Hugo TT2 [Added 10/08/2020]

Chord’s Hugo TT2 is a wonderful piece of equipment. It’s beautifully finished with superb craftsmanship and its sound is nothing short of spectacular. The only thing I would have liked different is the use of headphone outputs. I know Chord says a balanced output is not needed for their products, but just for the ease of use it would be great to replace the 3.5 and one of the 6.35mm outputs with one 4-pin XLR output. Although for headphones I still stick to my dedicated amplifiers, as they take the TT2’s sound just a bit further. This has been a long journey, but such a great one. Over the last months, I have gotten to know the Hugo TT2 inside and out. From the start, it has made its place at the very top of my DAC list clear. I can absolutely see why people would call it quits after getting the Hugo TT2. Personally, I could be so very happy with just the Hugo TT2 and my Kef LS50 system.

It hurts me a little to say this, but since the Hugo TT2 has been installed as my main two-channel DAC I have somewhat questioned my headphone inventory. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to listen to my full-sized headphones at home, but I deeply enjoy listening to my LS50’s a whole lot more now. The Hugo TT2 has given me a perspective on the speaker set-up that I didn’t think I could get in our small living room in the apartment. Chord’s TT2 has transformed my listening experience at home drastically. The Hugo TT2 is by no means a cheap product, but I don’t regret having spent a single Cent. In fact, it made me very curious to hear what Hugo M Scaler would do to the sound. The chase of the white audio rabbit continues…

5,495 from Chord Electronics

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/chord-electronics-hugo-tt2-review/

Flux Lab Acoustics Atlas

I spend a lot of time listening to gear every single day and my wife accepts that (Best ever! She might be reading this) but I tend to stop listening/working at 9 PM in the evening so we can spend some quality time together. The last few weeks my wife hasn’t always been happy with me though, “You’ve been spending way to much time in your office” is what she says. Well, what can I say… blame Atlas. It’s one of those amps you enjoy so much and listening to your favorite tunes is just pure bliss. I just want to listen to more tracks and turn up the volume because it sounding so good. Atlas might be a bit expensive (and huge) but boy does it sound incredible. You get a high-end, very well-balanced, detailed but musical sound and you’ll fall in love with it right away. It’s no wonder the first batch sold out directly. You better start saving up and don’t forget new, extra-large, furniture. Listed!

$5000 from Flux Lab Acoustics

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/flux-lab-acoustics-atlas-review/

 

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, do take a look at the category overview:

Portable Sources: https://headfonia.com/category/source/portable-source/

Desktop Sources: https://headfonia.com/category/source/desktop-source/