I have had the Eximus DP1 for quite some time. The headphone portion is excellent. Initially the direct XLR feed from the PS Audio GCPH (phono preamp) fed my tube amp. Subsequently I fed the GCPH output to the Eximus and used it as the preamp. Couldn't find any difference except the loss of remote control for the volume.
I recall being surprised at the significant low end through my Sennheiser 650 headphones with the DP1. When using my earlier DAC's, I didn't think the headphones had a low end. You may find that the current DAC's produce a fuller sound. Maybe it is better jitter control and newer DAC chips. Maybe better software. I use XXHighEnd and HQPlayer.
The others have also received good reviews. If you can try them all, you might find one that speaks to your musical preference. I find the Eximus very musical, less analytical than the Sabre chip based DAC's that I have had the opportunity to hear at audio shows.
An interesting cheaper option is the WA7 from Woo Audio. Their DAC has a volume control, uses tubes, and has one set of RCA inputs. Their stuff always sounds amazing at audio shows.
I recall being surprised at the significant low end through my Sennheiser 650 headphones with the DP1. When using my earlier DAC's, I didn't think the headphones had a low end. You may find that the current DAC's produce a fuller sound. Maybe it is better jitter control and newer DAC chips. Maybe better software. I use XXHighEnd and HQPlayer.
The others have also received good reviews. If you can try them all, you might find one that speaks to your musical preference. I find the Eximus very musical, less analytical than the Sabre chip based DAC's that I have had the opportunity to hear at audio shows.
An interesting cheaper option is the WA7 from Woo Audio. Their DAC has a volume control, uses tubes, and has one set of RCA inputs. Their stuff always sounds amazing at audio shows.