Looking for new DAC/Amp combo

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories Headphone Amps
1

Hi everyone,

I currently have an RME ADI-2 DAC that I use with my headphones, but the itch to upgrade is always there…

Headphones are Focal Clear, Fostex TH-900 mk2, and looking to add a Final D8000 down the line.

I also have a Bryston BHA-1, but I’m planning to sell that as well to fund the upgrade.

My shortlist includes:

  • Violetric V590
  • Questyle CMA Twelve/Master
  • iFi Pro iDSD
  • Chord Hugo TT2 or maybe Hugo 2
  • Luxman DA-250
  • Matrix Audio Element X
  • Burson Conductor 3X
  • Mytek Brooklyn
  • Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
  • Soekris Dac 2541
  • Holo Cyan
  • Focal Arche

The TT2 is the absolute most I can stretch my budget, so things like Chord Dave and dCS Bartok are out of reach for me, unfortunately…

Any suggestions/advice on what the best DAC/Amp combo is will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

2

Can’t say I’ve tried any of the specific combo units in your list, but have had a V281/1541 combo and would vouch for the 2541 and V590 based on that experience, but perhaps more as a stack than individual units.

A somewhat unconventional option could be a portable like the L&P P6 Pro, which would be on the upper end of your range. I have one and have used it with a TH610, which works well, so the TH900 should be similar. The D8K Pro is pretty easy to drive and forgiving of source, and I have gotten impressions that it’d be a nice combo, though haven’t heard it myself. That leaves the Clear, which should sound good, but is a picky set and may not have the best synergy.

1 Like