Topping one: https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005003797263602.html
Two very similar high performing dac amps one has 3.5mm and the other 1/4 inch and 4.4 inch balanced, will pretty much drive 99% of headphones/iems
SMSL C200 USB DAC AMP US$151.00 (~A$243) / Topping DX3 Pro+ USB DAC AMP US$154.05 (~A$243) Delivered @ Aoshida Hi-Fi AliExpress
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Kazusa on 12/11/2023 - 20:56 vi.aliexpress.com (2679 clicks)
Last edited 13/11/2023 - 23:18 by 1 other user
Last edited 13/11/2023 - 23:18 by 1 other user
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Is it really worth it to get a dedicated DAC compared to using the monitoring output from an audio interface like a scarlet 2i2?
Yes. Audio interfaces tend to have slightly worse performance on the DAC side (as most of the focus is on the input stage) and significantly worse performance on the amp side (output impedence, power output being the key metrics).
The 2i2 4th Gen for example has very high output impedence which can heavily colour certain headphones - a good watch is Julian Krause's video on it (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xl7X4yr8A0)
Chi-Fi measures extremely well, however this doesn't translate to a pleasant musical experience. If dry and sterile with perfect measurements is your thing, then topping presents good value.
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Coupon wouldn't work for the C200 so I just got it from Amazon for $254