Howdy,
I’m looking at getting a TOPPING MX3 for my desk to run my speakers + headphones, but wondering at what point would you consider upgrading to something like the A50s + D50s?
I’ll be using Jamo S803 speakers and Philips SHP9500 headphones.
Thanks,
-robodude666
At the point where you start wondering if you should get the more expensive stuff 
But like… how much more expensive? Are there certain specs I should be aware of on speakers/headphones that would require higher-end DAC/AMP?
I know the S803s are ~80W and the MX3 can only drive 38W @ 8 Ohm. But I don’t know if it’ll matter since I won’t be listening to them at 100%.
Sometime in the 2nd half of next year I’d like to get some ~$500 speakers & headphones. I could do the 50 stack now, but doesn’t seem like my current setup would benefit from them.
-robodude666
Welcome to HFGF!
That is a pretty good question and also one that can be hard to answer off the cuff. That answer will probably have to come from yourself. There is a fair amount of truth and logic behind @A_Jedi 's response.
The MX3 will probably be a good starting point if you are looking primarily at a desktop solution and using the speakers in a near-field configuration. The recommended wattage for the 803s is 80w @ 8 ohms and the MX3 rated for 38w @ 8 ohms which for desktop use will probably be good enough unless you are looking for concert stadium levels. For your headphones the MX3 will also be good enough but still not as good as if going with a dedicated amp.
The A50s + D50s combo you mentioned is nice, albeit a bit pricey IMO. More importantly the A50s will not work as an amplifier for speakers. At that point you would also need to be looking for a dedicated speaker amp. to go with that DAC and headphone amp.
What is your budget? What are you looking to do - Music only, music and gaming etc. Some more information might help us to better help you.
As long as you don’t plan on cranking up the speakers to party, everything will be fine.
I did not see your replay until after I responded -
I totally concur with @A_Jedi - for what you’ve described, for now that will be just fine. No need to spend more money now. Get your self setup use it for a while and then make a decision later, after you get a feel for where you are at and where you want to go next. You may find that you are good to go as is.
Good luck and Enjoy the Music!
Yes, I’m aware. Sorry! Forgot to include the PA3 in that list. I was previously considering the JDSLabs EL AMP/DAC (and Emotiva A100) before I learned TOPPING existed. They are a bit expensive, but they look pretty and Z seems to like this generation of TOPPING stuff too.
I’ll mostly be listening to music (mostly electronic music, some metal/rock/rap/country/pop), watching youtube, and movies/anime. Occasional gaming with the headphones. My office space is 13 x 16 feet.
My audio budget is around $2,500 (but I’m easily convinced to go over). For now, since I just build a new computer I’m trying to spend as little as possible to replace my bestbuy logitech $20 speakers but still get something nice. I got the Jamo S803s for $180 and think the MX3 for ~$130 would be a good pairing. I’ll do a proper upgrade at the end of 2021 and move this setup into my garage.
-robodude666
Good deal!
You are certainly are not going to miss those Logitech speaks! What you have selected for yourself will put them to shame!