Considering a replacement for my current PC connected setup. Running a Aune X1S/X7S as my current setup, and while it serves well, I wonder if I might get a better setup somewhere else. I’ve watch Zeos jizz over the El Stack and the Jotunheim in the past, and as a result, I’m considering upgrades. My current setup will move to my TV setup or seperate music setup somewhere else in my home.
Budget is around $1000, connected mostly to my PC, must include AMP/DAC or a combo of both. Running several different sets of headphones based on what I’m doing (Retros/Superlux 668 for gaming, 177x/MDR-Z6 for Music, M-40X for monitoring, plus at least a dozen others based on my mood (thanks ZEOS ))
Current considerations (buying from US sellers/resellers), running mostly single ended connectors (only have one set of balanced XLR connectors, for my HD600/HD58XX headphones):
EL Stack 2 (JDS Labs): $550 plus shipping
Schitt Jotunheim (Multibit, Black, US Plug): $599 plus shipping (Holy Crap, Schiit!)
Topping DX7 Pro: $650 plus shipping
Monoprice Monolite THX AMP/DAC: $499 plus shipping
Advice/feedback, please. Am I crazy to be considering a replacement, or is it long passed time for an upgrade? Let me know, I’ll gladly take feedbacxk.
I mean, are you finding yourself thinking the aune stack is lackluster? Honestly with the cans you have, I don’t really know if it would be worthwhile to upgrade your source gear unless you decided to take the next step forward for headphones. Although I don’t know all of the headphones you have and you do mention you have more that aren’t named, so getting something to better match specific cans you like the most could be reasonable to do
Any information is useful to me. All of my Aune gear is pre-2018 so if major changes were amde after 2018, I’m not aware of them. But as to whether or not it’s worth upgrading, I ask the community. Half gamer / half audiophile, so it’s somewhat difficutl to ask for gear setups based on what is already avaiable.
Mind you, feedback is what I want most. Tell me that I should have a Schiit SStack w/ Heresy and a Creative DAC/AMP system, I’ll consider it for future upgrades. I’m a quiet RPG/RTS/MMO player who doesn’t need directional sound. I like the best music qualtiy I can get, within my budget. Grateful to the community for suggestions, as Watching Zeos’s stuff has left me wondering if a DAC/AMP or DAC+AMP order is worth considering. Let me know as you wish, my order at least 2 months out, vs 2-3 months on the far side.
))