Best Integrated DAC/Amps Options?

master 11, bro.

 

Master 11, an easy recommendation

 

All good points. The Zana Deux Super has a timelessness about its design that has always appealed to me and its flexibility to be used with a wide range of headphones and music genres is also compelling. Those qualities make the Zana Deux Super a keeper and good end game headphone amplifier. The amount of heat the Zana Deux Super generates is a smaller concern than the fact that I sometimes use headphones for short periods throughout the day and cycling the amp on/off, on/off certainly isn't ideal for a tube amplifier. Perhaps I can just use my Chord Mojo for short listening sessions and use the Zana Deux Super for longer periods (also could use the Mojo as a DAC to feed the Zana Deux Super since I already own it). Alternatively, the Black Widow may be the better all around option but it doesn't quite have the timelessness of the Zana Deux Super and I sense I'll want to upgrade.

 

Has anyone heard or had any experience with Questyle's new CMA600i DAC/Amp combo? I've read many good things about Questyle current-mode amplification in the GMA800R and QP1R DAP. I currently use an Oppo HA-1 but I'm wondering how the CMA600I would compare. I believe Questyle's DAC uses AKM4490 chips similar to the new Bifrost, which sounds like an upgrade over the HA-1's Sabre DAC.

 

The NFB27H is a pretty compelling alternative to the Master 11 if you're not so fond of the 1704.

 

ouch $1299 for a combo unit. I feel too many compromises are made when doing combos. Power supplies, noise, rfi, shielding, etc.

 

No fundamental law prohibits these properties in one chassis. Most combo builders know how to make one part really well and other not so much. Schiit could easily build something great if it would fit their philosophy.
Edit: most consumers like to play around with different gear, so they'd chose separates.

 

fanboi

 

A lot of guys seem to like the Black Widow but it seems almost impossible to get one.

Any ideas?