Need suggestion for portable DAC/Amp

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by TjH, Feb 17, 2017.

  1. TjH

    TjH New

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    HI guys, first off - I apologise if there's another place where posts like this usually goes let me know.

    Basically I need suggestions for a portable Amp/DAC. I currently am using dx80 as a music source (or macbook when not on the go) and th-x00's as my go-to headphones.

    I had been using an ifi idsd micro (regular/silver version) but after 2 dud units I've given up on it. What it did teach me though is that my music sounds SO much better out of a good amp/dac like that than directly out of a macbook or dx80. That being said - I need a suggestion from you guys for amp/dac's that I can get. Here's my criteria:
    • My go to headphones are a pair of th-x00 mainly
    • Needs to work with macbook as well as DX80. The latter means Optical or Coaxial digital input is a must.
    • Portable, meaning can run off of internal battery
    • size is no concern, obviously I've been using idsd micro which is massive.
    • Price is <$1000, closer to $500 would be better.
    • In terms of sound: I like soundstage, detail and resolution a lot, to my ears things that have those qualities in abundance are more enjoyable. I dont care about bass too much, th-x00's provides plenty of it. Mids are very important. And treble, though less important needs to not have any hiss or other funny goings on. (good well defined and reigned in treble is a must, it's quite easy for treble to get out of hand by getting too splashy or thin).

    Another option, however, is to sell my dx80 (it is relatively new) and get an expensive DAP that has good sound quality coming out of it,though not sure how the sound of something like AK300 compares with the sound of a cheaper DAP like dx80 coming out of a $500 DAC like chord mojo. (i.e. does $500DAP+$500DAC have comparable sound to $1000 DAP alone?).

    So far I have the following on my radar:
    1. Sony PHA-3 ($700 used, $1k new)
    2. Ifi micro IDSD BL ($550) - bad experience with ifi, but i really like the flexibility.
    3. HiFi-M8 LX ($325 used?, not really available on amazon new)
    4. Chord Mojo $530 - has amazing praise but I do see some concerns raised in places when comparing with ifi idsd micro BL.
    Thanks,
     
  2. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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