Recommendation Request: Headphone Amp/DAC combo


I currently drive my Hifman HE1000SE phones with a Hifiman EF400 Amp/DAC.  I like it but would like upgrade.  This amp was only about 400 bucks.  If I were to go up to 2 to 3 k in spend.  What units would you recommend?

 

Thanks in Advance

 

mlapenta

I would separate the investment. Get a good headphone amp first. All the integrated units I have tried so far (Teac NT-505, Tascam DA-3000, etc) sound poor on headphones, compared to my Audiotailor Jade OTL tube headphone amp. Get something similar, and then, decide about the DAC.

@o_holter this is nothing more than the same old tired audiophile dogma that should have died out years ago!
 Separates stopped being "better" decades ago!
 An all in 1 unit allows maximum synergy between components + $ that would go for a good I/C can also be factored into the budget for an all in 1...
 Another thing,an OTL amp is NOT going to drive his HE1000SE cans worth a damn!

@freediver While combo units have some advantages and can certainly sound very good, the point your missing is that DACs and amps are both critical and very personal choices. What are the odds that both the DAC and the amp in a combo unit are optimal for the OP’s particular tastes? Near zero. If possible better to pick both the amp and DAC that offer the specific sound characteristics they’re looking for. The Woo you recommended has a Sabre DAC — what if the OP prefers the sound of an R2R NOS DAC? At the OP’s budget good separates are well within reach and offer customization and future flexibility combo units just can’t. If the OP was limited to $1000 then yeah, a combo unit would probably be his best bet, but not at $3k.

Thanks all for valued input.  I agree with soix in that, maybe it's me but i've never been that impressed with any Sabre DAC.   I currently have a Chord Qutest.  And a R2R Hifiman.  

From my experience I would strongly consider Schiit gear as they are usually honkin' good deals for the money.  Yes, there is better to be had but at significantly higher pricing.  You can get a strong taste of the best with Schiit.  Hopefully that came out right.