Time to bring this thread back to life!!!
You know how you think you are solving a problem, only to find that maybe you had a different problem than you first thought? I think that’s happened to me with the Sabaj. At $429 or so, it is going to be fine for use in the State College house - the one my wife inherited. And it is fully balanced, and I find that I like having that option for some headphones. I have the iFi xDSD (original) that I can use for portable/transportable, but while it powers the Rosson RAD-0, it is straining a bit. Its great with my Grado RS1e.
I find that I don’t OFTEN want to have headphones at work. Maybe when I know I will have a quiet day and want to work on CE credits or something. I greatly prefer the speakers for work.
But that leaves an everywhere else gap. The big easy chair I sometimes show in unboxing pics. Sitting on the covered porch. Occasional travel other places, including overnight work travel.
So I think I’m looking for yet another DAC/AMP; here are my thoughts
Battery operation is a plus, but it’s not a requirement. I have access to electricity.
THIS UNIT WILL NOT STAY IN ONE PLACE, but transportable or modest desktop size is OK
Features like iFi’s xBass, xSpace, also a plus but not a requirement
Either solid state or tube-hybrid operation. I like esthetics, and tubes are calming.
Minimum 1W and preferably more into 32 Ohm load, able to handle 300 Ohm headphones
True Balanced and Single-Ended operation.
USB input needed. Optical, Coax input a plus. Bluetooth/Wireless not required
Remote not required. Not sure if it’s even a plus.
Price range $400 - $1400 or thereabouts.
MUST sound good - but want it to LOOK good also.
I’d appreciate thoughts. I’ve glanced at these:
WU Audio - WA7 Gen 3 Fireflies or WA-11 Topaz
SPL Phonitor One D - not sure about output level
iFi iDSD Signature - this ticks most of the boxes, but it has no esthetics - the Diablo looks prettier
RME ADI-2 ? I see the writeup on our sponsor’s page, but don’t know the output of the amp. Looks like a lot of nice features to play with.
And yes, I’ve even thought of another Sabaj a20d 2022 edition. Price is right. Size is right.