DAC/Amp upgrade path from beginner to mid/high range

I agree, the Aivas will be fine on balanced, but it is not something that you need to do to max out it’s performance. It does very well single ended. Also depending on the amp, you may need XLR so you’d a different cable or an adapter if you use the stock cable.

Is it recommended to use the XLR adapter provided by Sendyaudio? The “SendyAudio Asura Pigtail Adaptor (7N-OCC) 4 pin XLR male to 4.4mmBAL female” which is 75$? or find another aftermarket option. For now, I think I will go single ended, since I kinda hoped single ended would be sufficient rather than pay more for a balanced amp!

Yes single ended can be just as good as balanced in sound and power, it just depends on the amp.

If you needed an adapter one like this works well
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JPGZLTZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_j2tjEb4SAKESX

Wonderful! Well! If I were to sum it all up, a JDS Labs atom paired with a topping D10 DAC would be the current move in terms of an upgrade path. Hopefully this stack can handle the future headphones I have in mind. However, I have faith that they will upon your recommendations! Afterwards, later on down the line, they could be replaced by the enog 2 pro and archel 2.5 pro but those are will be in the back of my mind. If the atom and topping d10 are able to handle the cans we discussed today, I will be happy! As that was my main concern and wanted to consult the community!

I think the atom + d10 should be able to handle what you plan to through at it in the future, sounds good :+1:

1 Like

Awesome! Thank you very much M0N! You were a great help! I am glad I was able to speak with someone who knows a thing or two about audio equipment as a whole!

2 Likes

Curious to hear your thoughts on the amp and dac setup :+1:

1 Like

I would rather say Liquid Spark with D10 rather than Atom. The Atom is cleaner on paper but according to Joshua Valour the sound the same. The Liquid Spark also has way more power than the Atom. I currently own the LS and Aivas and they pair very well. Also own the FX Audio Dac x6 and im using that currently as the dac untill I buy the D10 or Liquid Spark DAC. Thats just my 2cents. The LS is very very close to the At but with more power.

The spark is noticably warmer and a bit smoothed out, where the atom is more analytical and a bit more transparent, it’s more of a preference and pairing thing

I do agree, but to pair with the Aiva like you said the LS will have better synergy.

That is true, but he did specify that he wanted something more analytical and the atom is more analytical leaning, I think the liquid spark is more pleasing to me with the sendy, but only because I think the sendy got a bit too analytical and not warm enough for my tastes. If he didn’t specify analytical I would have recommended the spark

Well, considering that the sendys won’t only be in my arsenal of cans. I’ve been told of the Aivas punchy nature and aggressive analytical sound. I wouldnt be opposed to using the the liquid spark rather than the atom I’ve heard only good things about it.

Also, I just recently got the D10 for 60$ including tax so that was good!

That’s a pretty good price on the d10 :+1:

Either one would do you just fine. I think if you wanted the most clarity I would go with the atom, and if you want a more balanced and a bit smoother sound the liquid spark is great

I was quite surprised with the LS build quality, feels very premium for the peice and form factor

Just picked up the liquid spark for 98$, once everything comes in the mail, I will see how the stack holds up!

1 Like

Can’t remeber if you said but what dac did you have before the d10

I had an FX-audio DAC-X6 combo.

Oh sweet. Thats exactly what I have. Upgraded to the LS now and still deciding on a dac. Please let me know how is the LS+D10 vs FX combo.

1 Like