First time looking at a true external DAC, love clear, crystal sound and need a replacement for my internal Sound Card (Asus Xonar Essence STX). Pairing with Senn 650s. This looks like an amazing deal for the price and has the I/O I need (RCA, USB, 1/4 headphone) but am slightly worried about the volume knob issue reports and reports with a dull sounding headphone amp. Debating if I should jump at this or not. or jump at the airist audio R-2R/THXAAA 789 drops
roarWolfyThrough RCA, yes. This Matrix amp is not bad but quite expensive ($499!) for an already dated design. it uses a ES9018S chip which was released in 2012. So I think, in 2018, you're better off with a newer product like the THX combined with a recent/modern DAC Design, because the technology does become better and better (maginally so, but still better).
I am currently using an 'EL Dac', and have ordered the R-2R as a possible improvement, and waiting for the THX amp to release, so I guess I'm a little biased towards these products though.
verifonixHonestly on paper they both look like great products. The reviws for the soundstage of the R2R is geared towards what I want and I can always pair with a good amp when it ships out in December...... 6 months to wait tho is quite awhile
verifonixI have been using an EL-DAC for the last couple of months and saw this comment. Have you noticed any significant differences between the EL-DAC and the R-2R?
RyCanHi Rycan, the R-2R drop has not shipped yet, but I ended up cancelling my order lol. I was second guessing I really needed a new DAC, so I can't tell you for sure. I doubt there's a lot of dacs out there that will be a big improvement over the EL Dac...
verifonixThe reason I bought the EL DAC is the two Topping drops i joined didn't ship for well over a month after their 2 month shipping delay. Caused me to look elsewhere and I'm glad I did. Very clean output. Very easy to use