DAC / Amp Combo

I need advice!
1

I am currently using:

  • Windows 11 PRO, Musicbee, WASAPI USB into
  • Schiit Bifrost 2/64 XLR into
  • Schiit Jotunheim 2

Have Focal Clear OG and Hifiman Sundara as my main headphones and usually use XLR connection on the Jotunheim.

I drive AudioEngine A5+ speakers (wired) from the SE pre out on the Jot. They are set up in a nearfield arrangement.

I love the sound and my only complaints on the Schiit equipment is:

  • Both devices run pretty hot so I like to power them down when I am not using them. The on / off switch is in the back and it is a pain to access.
  • There is no visual feedback on the signal quality coming into the DAC

Looking at eBay I could probably get around $900 - $1000 for the stack. I would like to take that and get a DAC / Combo.

Requirements are:

  • USB and optical input
  • SE and balanced support
  • LCD to indicate input feed
  • Two preouts, at least on of them SE

Front panel on / off and other controls

Nice to have:

  • Management app (PC or Android)
  • PEQ thru the app (at least 10 bands). Right now I EQ in Musicbee.
  • DSD support, no need for MQA

I am looking at the FIIO k17 right now. APOs has an open box at a pretty good price.

Any suggestions on other DAC/Amps around $800?

2

I have a FII0 ESS K9 Pro that was in that range, I understand the K17 is an upgrade. I also have the Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and pair it either with a Lyr3 or a STAX amp. The FII0 is a combo unit, very nicely built, and slightly drier but still in the same ballpark. Personally I don’t have an issue with the heat in the Schiit stack, but think you’d be OK with a FII0 K17. It checks your boxes.

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3

Just another thought: Since the Schiit pieces both have physical toggle switches, you could easily remote the power switching to a surge protector / power strip. Cable tie it to a desk leg or maybe mount it on the underside.

That obviously doesn’t give you visual feedback on the sample rate and depth, but it’s also pretty cheap and you get to keep what you already like sound-wise.

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