2. digital
  3. 165917-148644

Sub-$1250 DAC w/ built-in Headphone Amp

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?
uwrwilke

Showing 2 responses by headphonedreams

headphonedreams
529 posts
 
The Bifrost sounds like a great choice (and add a separate amp like Valhalla)! 
I have only heard a Ragnarok (an amp) but that was great so I trust Schiit as a company. They also have many great reviews. I think you will notice big improvement in SQ. I have an iFi Nano and a Dragonfly Black but prefer my separate dac through the Ragnarok. If you go with Valhalla to keep the price down you can always upgrade the amp later and keep the Bifrost.

Other brands to check out could be Okto or iFi (with their more expensive solutions). 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/okto-dac8-stereo-da-processor
https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-idsd/
headphonedreams
529 posts
 
Forgot to say, if you plan to mainly listen with headphones you may want to upgrade those before buying a better dac + amp. Something like the Focal Elex, Beyer dt1990, Beyer Amiron Home or the new Drop hd8xx.

Pair this with whatever dac+amp you buy or just get a Dragonfly Cobalt to start with. It can be connected to a big amp but it is impractical to switch cables to headphones all the time.
More to discover