No sir, I just need a DAC with Balanced out capabilities to pair with the new Amp that I have coming in. It’s the first balanced Amp I’ll have on the desktop so I think it makes sense to retire the old D10s now. Thank you!
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What is the amp out of curiosity and more relevant, potentials for synergy?
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It’s the SMSL SH-9, a fairly analytical amp with the THX 888 inside. I’m getting conflicting information on whether it’s actually balanced, but I’m just going to assume it is.
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Looks like the 4-pin output is not true balanced (same output level as the 1/4" SE) but feeding it 4vrms from a balanced DAC will still give you more overall gain/headroom and as long as it gives you the volume you need then no worries to be had!
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Working within the specified budget, a +1 for the DO100 Pro2 to pair with the SH-9.
I don’t have any expereince with either piece personally but know some who have, and have been pleased.
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You have access to Balanced ports so it is balanced in that regard. However, based on the fact that they seem to have the same output power on both SE and BAL.
It would imply there is no difference between them, iirc Topping has stuff like this as well and I believe they are not real balanced because of it.
They also do not have any diagram pics that shows how everything is connected which is another point against it being balanced, Fiio for example clearly shows how their stuff works.
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So much good info, thank you so much, boys!
I think some of the reviews from when it was first released were a bit misinformed then because most of them say it is balanced but I did see that the power output is the same on SE as it is on BAL. Since I’m not the most knowledgeable on sources, I wasn’t 100% sure. I appreciate everyone’s clarification!
That DO100 Pro looks mighty nice… I like how it has BT as well. Nice and versatile when it’s needed. I’ll look a little more into that one. Thanks, everyone!
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Nothing wrong from what I can see. Nitpick would be a somewhat outdated BT version (5.1) and that is has MQA which is paying extra for nothing.
And seeing as this actually has a different power out.
The bal looks real for sure.
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To throw an added wrench into the mix - There is a D0200 Pro over on head-fi currently. It’s at the top-end of budget @$300 but it is the newere update to the D0100.
I am not affiliated with or do I know the seller - I just looks at adds when bored.
Here’s a review
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Another decent looking option within budget looks like the SMSL RAW-MDA1, which also has a headphone amp section and would give you a 4.4 Bal out in addition to the 4-pin and 6.5mm ones on the SH-9.
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I saw that one, the RAW, and it actually made me pretty interested. Even though I don’t need an all-in-one, it could be nice to have the flexibility of multiple options.
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I have one of these - really simple, clean and competent desktop amp with a truely great attenuator that puts more expensive amps I own to shame. But yeah it’s balanced input only (so useful for purposes like ground loops, noise etc…) but the headphone out isn’t balanced but powerful enough that it’s irrelevant and can take a 4vrms input in any event.
Hope you enjoy chap.
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If you can find a used Geshelli Labs……
But that will be hard to come by🤙
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Thank you, bud, I appreciate the affirmation 
@ctjacks336 ooooooo you’re right… I hadn’t even thought of those. That’s a good choice. I think they make beautiful stuff. The wood with the transparent acrylic would look dope.
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Heyo, boys, this might be too good of a deal to pass up… Ironic it shows up on the classifieds today…
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Nice, I have a SMSL D-6S. Is measures well, and I like it. That’s a nice deal on a combo.
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Is S.M.S.L and Topping related? Same packaging it seems like😄
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That scoop may be the best you can get for the money that fits your specific needs.
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Exactly - already messaged him / let’s see!
Edit; we came to a deal, damn near 50% off retail with shipping included. Oof 
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