I currently have an entry level headphone listening stack, that I'd like to upgrade for both headphone listening, but to also include in a HiFi system stack when expanding my horizon to speakers.
Currently have: DAC = 'Ol DAC' from JDS Labs Amp = Atom from JDS Labs
I am a bit overloaded with the options at this price point, but I know am looking for a smoother/richer sound from DAC as opposed to an analytical/etched sound. The following DACs come to mind - would any of you recommend one over the other? Source is primarily USB w/ Tidal MQA paired w/ HD58X Jubilee's.
- Mytek Liberty DAC II - RME ADI-2 DAC FS - DA-Art Aquilla II DAC - SMSL M500 DAC - Schiit Bifrost 2 (w/ separate headphone amp? or other multi-bit DAC?) - Other?
Further - should I expect a substantial sound quality boost from my current set up?
Matrix Mini-i-3 Pro. A good DAC with headphone though I used a Topping A90 headphone amp instead of the Matrix DAC's headphone amp. In fact, I never heard the DAC headphone amp since I use XLR. The DAC itself is rather good. Not warm more neutral sounding.
Only heard the RME which I have and it’s very very good. The awesome EQ and features I believe makes it a big extra advantage over the others. One of the few pieces I’ve bought new over the years and felt I got more than I paid for.
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