vollkanzrAliexpress is basically Ebay except they're ALL chinese sellers, so you're going to be waiting a few weeks either way if you go with Aliexpress or Massdrop. If you want to pay $105 for this DAC, there's a used listing on Amazon for a like new D30 for that price. I agree that they should sell these for $80 or so on Massdrop, that way you're getting a good deal and they can ship some more units, everybody wins.
vollkanzrOh yeah the X1s anni is a much better value, but some people need a seperate DAC or amp because they're planning on upgrading one of the components later on, but not the other. If you just want one all in one for the forseeable future though, the X1s is an incredible value. For example, the Magni 3 is a much more powerful amp than the one in the Aune and the Topping A30, so one could also go with a Topping D30 and Magni 3 stack for $205, that's why it's appealing.
vollkanzrYes...and for 10+ dollar more on Amazon....you can return it full prize if you don't like ! + 2 day shipping.
Massdrop price didn't make any sense this time...
EnsisTheSlayerBut Magni 3 adds too much warmth or richness on the tune, whatever you want to call it....wired to me. Returned it and looking for something else.
ChrisliuboyThat might be because of it's power. Since bass is harder to drive, unless an amp is altered to unnaturally change the sound, a more powerful amp is going to make headphones bassier and warmer. If you don't like that, maybe look for a more bass light headphone, or use a little bit of EQ to bring it back down. Don't blame the amplifier though, it's just doing it's job.
EnsisTheSlayerYep, you are right~ The power of Magni 3 made my darker headphones like 650 and fidelio x1 sound better, tighter in bass. But my favorite 63 ohms light-bass CD900st sounded blurred in mids and lows. I don't think EQ will help, everything sounded smoothed, "richer" with less details, I don't know why, maybe the power of Magni, My previous DAC "only" has around 700mw into 32ohms.