New Headphone DAC/AMP

[PapaLazaru]

For around £400, is there anything out there worth considering over the MoJo 2?

I am going to be using it at my desk and was considering the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, but I don't need any of the other stuff it has built in, my speakers are active so they sort themselves out. Not sure the new Zen DAC 3 will offer the quality I want either?

I just want the best sonic performance for my 660s (maybe soon to be 660s2)

ta

 

[batfink]

Not sure about your expectations but the Zen Dac is a very good piece of kit. I'm running a V2 (and a Zen Can) into 660s and there are no complaints here. The Zen Dac only offers a USB input so provided that meets your needs, I would give it a go.

I haven't tried a Mojo so it may by a bigger step up.

 

[Yaayuh!]

I've run my HD650 with Schiit Bifrost and Asgard for years now. This is what I would get if I had the choice today, bang on budget too but would pay extra for the AD5547 DAC: https://www.schiit.co.uk/dacs/asgard-3-with-dac

edit: noticed the AD5547 DAC is Out of Stock.

 

[henry hoov3r]

I've run my HD650 with Schiit Bifrost and Asgard for years now. This is what I would get if I had the choice today, bang on budget too but would pay extra for the AD5547 DAC: https://www.schiit.co.uk/dacs/asgard-3-with-dac

edit: noticed the AD5547 DAC is Out of Stock.

The availability in the UK of their products is a bit Schiit.

 

[Purgatory]

For around £400, is there anything out there worth considering over the MoJo 2?

I am going to be using it at my desk and was considering the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, but I don't need any of the other stuff it has built in, my speakers are active so they sort themselves out. Not sure the new Zen DAC 3 will offer the quality I want either?

I just want the best sonic performance for my 660s (maybe soon to be 660s2)

ta

What active speakers do you have and are you using balanced connections to them ? Also you state you don't need all the features of the DacMagic 200M, so what features do you not need and what features do you really need ? What devices will you be connecting as source to the dac/amp too ?

Just trying to work out a good dac/amp for you and one that has a pre-amp output too so easy to control volume of active monitors too. I also don't rate the DacMagic for the price currently as there are better products for the price out there now.

 

[PapaLazaru]

What active speakers do you have and are you using balanced connections to them ? Also you state you don't need all the features of the DacMagic 200M, so what features do you not need and what features do you really need ? What devices will you be connecting as source to the dac/amp too ?

Just trying to work out a good dac/amp for you and one that has a pre-amp output too so easy to control volume of active monitors too. I also don't rate the DacMagic for the price currently as there are better products for the price out there now.

Ruark MR1 MK2. Just use optical out of the PC or Bluetooth from my phone when on the work laptop, they are fine as they are.

No features, just good audio for my headphones, USB connection.

 

[Things change I've changed]

Ruark MR1 MK2. Just use optical out of the PC or Bluetooth from my phone when on the work laptop, they are fine as they are.

No features, just good audio for my headphones, USB connection.

That being the case,

Schiit Magni Unity with Dac

Buy your Schiit Magni Unity online, directly from Schiit UK, The Authorised EU retailer offering 3 years warranty.

www.schiit.co.uk

From Schiit UK, in stock, built in DAC, bags of power.

Or if you want something a bit higher end and don't mind going s/h,

JDS Labs Element III Mk2 Headphone DAC and Amplifier | eBay

<p>JDS Labs Element III - Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC - Copper ring </p><br /><p>Amazing condition. Hardly a scratch. </p><br /><p>Perfect working order. Comes with original packaging , UK power supply etc. </p>

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Audioboxer]

I've got an E50/L50 combo for my HiFiMan Sundara's which I'm really happy with.

Topping E50 Review (Balanced DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Topping E50 balanced USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $269. I just reviewed its companion headphone amplifier, the Topping L50. The E50 takes my favorite orange LED display and makes it even nicer! It is a gorgeous...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Topping L50 Review (Headphone Amp)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Topping L50 balanced (input) headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $229. It will be announced shortly. The industrial design of the L50 is different than older models with a plexiglass front: While I like...

www.audiosciencereview.com

That stack should come in under £400 now.

I prefer anything at the PC be balanced or at least balanced into the headphone amp due to PCs being notorious for interference. Especially if you have a powerful graphics sucking down 300~400w+ of power when in action.

 

[Eddie99]

SMSL SU-1 DAC and Topping L30 II Amp.

SMSL SU-1 Stereo DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL SU-1 stereo USB DAC. It was arranged to be sent to me by shenzhenaudio from the company and costs US $79.99. Despite its simplicity, the SU-1 manages to look elegant with nice fonts and LED indicators for different inputs. Back panel has...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Topping L30 II Review (Headphone Amp)

This is a review, detailed measurements and listening test of Topping L30 II. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $149. It comes in a number of colors. Usability could not be better with positive clicking switches for power/pre and gains. Three gains are provided with the low gain...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Purgatory]

Ruark MR1 MK2. Just use optical out of the PC or Bluetooth from my phone when on the work laptop, they are fine as they are.

No features, just good audio for my headphones, USB connection.

That being the case,

Schiit Magni Unity with Dac

Buy your Schiit Magni Unity online, directly from Schiit UK, The Authorised EU retailer offering 3 years warranty.

www.schiit.co.uk

From Schiit UK, in stock, built in DAC, bags of power.

^.. that or even maybe consider Fiio K7 or the K7BT if you want bluetooth support.

Desktop DAC and Amplifier K7/K7 BT

The K7/K7 BT has a six-stage audio circuit with truly balanced analog and digital sections – which helps to reduce crosstalk and reproduce music to a great extent, allowing you to better enjoy the purity of your music.

www.fiio.com

Standard version £190 and BT version £230

FiiO K7 DAC/AMP - Standard/Bluetooth Versions

FiiO K7 Desktop DAC and Amplifier / Bluetooth version

www.advancedmp3players.co.uk

I got my Fiio K9 Pro ESS from them they had best price at time and delivery comes quick too via amazon delivery.


ALSO found the standard K7 cheaper on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FiiO-K7-Desktop-DAC-Amplifier/dp/B0BJKKPL71/?th=1

£158.32 for standard K7 at moment on amazon cheapest anywhere and a bargain if you don't need the BT feature.

Good review here showing the software and hardware well :-

FiiO K7 Desktop DAC/Headphone Amplifier Review - Amazing Value!

FiiO shakes up the affordable desktop DAC/amp market with its K7 that offers excellent features for money. You get two AKM AK4493S DACs paired with THX AAA 788+ amplifiers, a clean power supply and USB decoding stage, as well as native USB drivers for ASIO support to drive IEMs and headphones...

www.techpowerup.com

 

[Ice Rich]

I can only comment on what I own (so don't know how it compares) but I have a CA DAC-Magic Plus with upgraded PSU and HD650 Headphones and it has been a solid, great sounding set-up.
I have a few devices connected to it so use it as a switcher too.

The 200m is very similar but obviously is a level up over the Plus , i'd love to give it a go but cannot justify the price.

 

[mrk]

The Fiio K7 looks really good and has a lot of power output (500mW+ at 300 ohm per channel if I recall), and it's £170~ - Worth a look.

 

[IanAG]

Or if you want something a bit higher end and don't mind going s/h,

JDS Labs Element III Mk2 Headphone DAC and Amplifier | eBay

<p>JDS Labs Element III - Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC - Copper ring </p><br /><p>Amazing condition. Hardly a scratch. </p><br /><p>Perfect working order. Comes with original packaging , UK power supply etc. </p>

www.ebay.co.uk

This would be my choice - have had an Element II for a few years now and find it fantastic with my HD650.

 

[mrk]

Problem with thazt is that it's a desktop showpieve and needs to be in your face to see the display etc, not one that slips amongst other stuff at the back neatly. It's basically like a DJ's deck. Otherwise awesome specs and the clear dial option looks really cool.

Element III MK2 _ Shop JDS LABS

We’ve reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. Element III operates on our second-generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. You’ll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor...

jdslabs.com

 

[Things change I've changed]

Problem with thazt is that it's a desktop showpieve and needs to be in your face to see the display etc, not one that slips amongst other stuff at the back neatly. It's basically like a DJ's deck. Otherwise awesome specs and the clear dial option looks really cool.

Element III MK2 _ Shop JDS LABS

We’ve reimagined our flagship amp+DAC to create a listening experience you will notice and appreciate. Element III operates on our second-generation XMOS hardware and firmware, blissfully integrated with a custom encoder. You’ll hear perfect channel balance down to the black noise floor...

jdslabs.com

To be fair people have been using the older Element amps without a display for years, it's not something you really need to look at often, once it's setup and you've selected you filter your done really.

 

[IanAG]

It doesn't "need" to be anywhere, mine doesn't have the display, and I don't get the impression that the one on the III needs to be looked at constantly!

I would say its appearance is a positive, if you want it on display it looks great and understated. As well as the audio upgrade, the all in one nature was a massive improvement over my previous SMSL DAC and Graham Slee amp.

 

[mrk]

The display is really useful though, zeos did a big video on it:

ð¥One KNOB to Rule them All // JDSlabs Element III _(Z Reviews)_

Check Amazon ----------- [https://amzn.to/35nXHlW]Element III ------------------ [https://jdslabs.com/product/element-iii/]PADS FOR 8XX ----------- [https://...

youtu.be

 

[PapaLazaru]

Is that Element going to be better than a Mojo 2?

I'm, really struggling now to see anything past one.

 

[mrk]

1.3W vs 600mW at 30/32 ohms, so twice as powerful on output power. Whether that matters boils solely on your headphones.

 

[Wulfster]

Magni Unity, amp/Dac will handle your active speakers (pre amp outputs) and headphones 2.3 Watt output power. £237.

Wulf