Suggestion for small DAC/headphone interface

[Mikael7x]

Looking for small DAC with good and powerful enough headphone amp (Sennheised HD800 300ohm). No need for inputs.

Something like Audioquest Dragonfly or Topping NX4 DSD... any ohter good suggestions within 200€.

[Ben Jenssen]

I can't say I know much about the topic, except; I think you're in for a pleasant surprise. At least I was, when I tested my first Olasonic D1 DAC/headphone-amp about a year ago, as I don't really record anymore. I got it for almost nothing, and it looked like a toy, but it sounded like nothing I've heard before. More detail, more and tighter low end, way better sound than any Focusrite, Audient, even better than some Apogees I've heard.

So, when I found a Topping D50 very cheap, and read some good reviews, I bought it, it's a little less bass heavy, flatter freq resp, and even more detailed. You notice how it's easier to listen to at both very soft volume or loud.

These "Hi-fi headphone DACs" can be very inexpensive, don't look like much, but they can sound like gold. I guess if I need inputs, I'll just get a A-D and use PT in aggregate mode.

Good luck.

(Added: I use it as my main DAC, btw. I almost never use headphones.)

[Mikael7x]

Thanks for your response Ben.

I end up having Topping DX1 wich is even smaller but at least for my taste powerfull enough with my headphones (HD800). The sound is just very open, neutral and clean. The resolution seem very high. So much better than my laptop phones output but also better than my Audient iD14.

https://www.tpdz.net/productinfo/892870.html

[Ben Jenssen]

That's good to hear.