From reviews and posts, I think the Fiio K5 Pro is perfect for me, but I have some issues with it.
First off, really the killer, is that my 2.1 setup is powered, which is perfect for the pre-outs on the K5. My problem is there is no headphone/out switch or even separate volume knobs.
Secondly, I’d like it to have balanced headphone out as well as unbalanced. This is not required.
So my requirements are:
A DAC+Amp
Clean and relatively neutral sound
A pre-out (not line out)
Nice big knob (or separate knobs for the out and headphone)
Desktop form factor (heavy and solidly built)
Balanced and single headphone out
A switch between headphone and pre-out (can be auto with headphone jack sensing)
USB
Able to push at least 80ohm headphones
Relatively cheap ($200)
Features I don’t need that the K5 Pro has, coax and optical.
I do know of the JDSLabs Atom stack, but I’m not a huge fan of stacks and the plastic build of the Atoms.
Any other suggestions? I’m thinking of even finding or DIYing a cutoff switch for the pre-outs.
The headphone to preout switch is actually a rare feature that is present in only a handful of amps within that price point. I personally think the fiio k5 pro is pretty much the best option for your situation compared to its competition like ifi zen, smsl m3. (if you don’t have headphones that use balanced, no point getting it since it’s just going to cost you more). Though if you can stretch your budget to $220, then the topping dx3 pro well known to be the best dac/amp combo under 300.
The dx3 pro measured to have 123mw at 300 ohms and 570mw at 33 ohms. This should handle everything up to 300 ohm cans. If you’re rocking 600 ohms or super hard to drive planars like t60rp, I’d probably get topping l30 which has a front hp/preout switch but is a separate amp and costs $140 by itself or the magni3/heresy.
I know I’m breaking the “relatively cheap” requirement already by mentioning this, but I still feel it’s worth putting it out there in case you ever find a deal on it or if you raise your budget.
I’ve been testing it on and off during a few occasions since my brother owns one. It’s a fantastic little unit with probably the most satisfying knobs and switches on any amp I’ve had the joy to listen to (bar some really vintage stereo amps). It’s one of those things that makes you wish they just sold the switches on a Fidget Cube, oddly satisfying
I would have probably gone for it myself, if it wasn’t for the fact that it cost double what the SMSL SP200 does. So yeah, the price speaks against it, but it ticks all the other boxes.
There aren’t many options that meet those requirements, but especially at the price point. The JDS Labs Element II comes close at $400 new, maybe a bit less if you can find used, but it’s single ended only. Something like the Sennheiser GSX1000 would be similar, but only single ended and lower performing than the Element. Closer to your target price, though. Otherwise, at $300, you have the Schiit Asgard 3 with DAC module. There’s not an actual pre-out switch, but it will cut the pre when headphones are plugged in. It’s possible to find one b-stock or used for a little less.
The new Topping L30 coming soon is a 130$ headphone amplifier with a pre-out switch.
Goes with the Topping E30 DAC, for 130$ too. Includes a remote.
So, 260$.
But for balanced, for ~373$, there’s the Topping DX7s.
You can control the inputs/outputs via the knob or the remote.
You can probably get this one, used, for less, on US audio mart (etc) too.
So this is what I have found that looks like it will fit what I’m looking for. More specifically a pre-amp out with headphone switching. I’m listing them here for more myself, but I’m sure others might find it helpful. I’m going to try to change the title to make it a little easier to find. Can’t.
All of these I have confirmed, in various ways, have a pre-out (where the volume changes the output on the back), have a way to play headphones without the speakers also playing, are good at being dac/amps, and basically fit my price range.
None of these are balanced, which would be nice but it’s only icing. I don’t think I’m going to be able to get balanced at the price point I am hoping for.
These are ordered by price, which are round figures (assuming prime or free shipping).
I just got the Motu M2 2x2 as the features were too many compared to others.
I’ll make a thread with a review once I get it as it’s on backorder everywhere (I got it at Sweetwater). I also got a condenser mic that seems like a very good deal, if I have the available interface, I might as well get something for it.
