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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
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
agree

chord mojo is an insanely good sounding thing

ergonomics are what they are... but for $350-400 the thing is outstanding in its sound quality
daveman2's avatar
daveman2
58 posts
 
I say this only for the sake of the OP - I don't want to beat a dead horse. I was wrong again. It seems that the Mojo can function in a full-fledged pre-amp mode (not just fixed 100% output). Can someone who owns one chime in? I have one that should be here early this week.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
It seems that the Mojo can function in a full-fledged pre-amp mode (not just fixed 100% output). Can someone who owns one chime in?


the mojo can be set for fixed or variable output (but not sure i would call it ’preamp mode’...)
geoffalter
2 posts
 
My two cents...

TEAC UD-505. Dual mono DAC with w/unbalanced 6.35mm outputs,  1 balanced 4.4mm pentaconn and the ability to use in active ground.

The DAC is amazing f for its price and can upconvert 44.1k to 384k and to DSD 24.5mhz.

The teac can run fixed at 0db or +6db which 2 and 4 vrms each... solid set up. I love mine... us it can take a 10mhz master clock down the road for greater resolution and transparency. 
branislav
405 posts
 
Ayre Codex. Bit more over your budget (isnt that the case for all of us) but unlikely to find a better dac-amp for less money. If you do, let me know...I tried.
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