I am relatively new to all of this but after reading and researching on here and from other sources and it’s really easy to be lost down the rabbit hole trying to compare. I hate using such a generalized title but just as the title says I am looking for a DAC upgrade under 300$ maybe stretch to 350$. I am essentially upgrading from a Magni Heresy and Modi 3 but I recently purchased a SP200 and while it’s an upgrade from the Magni I feel that I am due to pair this with something other than the Modi 3 to get more out of it.
The headphones I use the most in rotation are Sundaras, 6XX, Focal Elegia, K712 Pro, DT 880 and waiting on HD 660s coming soon. I am also looking at acquiring DT1990, Neumann NDH20 and Audeze LCD-2 potentially in the future (need to take a break and save up). My set up is dedicated to desktop by the way.
With all of this being said I think I am still figuring out what I prefer and what I like and don’t like but I landed on SP200 for the value and can sense the difference from the Magni. I am not married to the SP200 at that price (potentially return and go with something else) but as of right now I am looking to pair it with a DAC and eventually a different amp upgrade in the future. I am just curious what is considered the best value/quality choice in this range without tipping into the more expensive upper level upgrade while getting something for longevity.
The Topping E30 as @Felix recommends is an excellent choice. I would also consider the iFi Zen Dac. It’s sound signature may “tame” the SP200 is some pleasant ways. You have a several neutral-bright or V-sig headphones on your list there. I bet the Zen will give you good synergy.
I was looking at both the E30 and Zen Dac. I’ve also looked into the ENOG2, SU-8 and saw the Modius released recently and have really been having trouble coming to a decision on all of these. I have seen these all recommended and am just curious of like pros and cons or maybe a stand out candidate. Also welcome to the idea of any others I haven’t mentioned just trying to narrow the search down with what peoples experiences have been.
I am deciding between the Modius, E-30, and now the Enog2 (Arriving Shortly). I got the topping E-30 from Apos and they did some sort of drop shipping from china took about 10-14 days. Enog2 is back in stock and ready from Florida and Schiit sends their schiit from California. Apos and to my understanding Geshili have a very straight forward return policy with a full refund. With Schiit you will loose shipping both ways and have to pay a restocking fee.
My point is that you may consider trying out the Dacs that have a good return policy that you won’t loose money on if you should decide that it isn’t right for you. By my ears the E-30 and Modius sound similar in many ways, it might be better to compare the E-30 with something that could provide a little more contrast.
Unfortunately I have found this to be a rabbit hole as well and I’m seriously debating if this is a good use of my time. Brief as it’s been I kind of want this search to be over so I can get back to enjoying music and stop rethinking what I may or may not be hearing with different dacs. It’s exhausting! Feel free to PM in a week or so and I’ll let you know if I have made any more headway on my sub $300 dac journey. There are a lot of knowledgeable people that can probably guide you better than I can, I just wanted to share my experience.