It seems as though most people are using this as a headphone amp. Is anyone here using the DX7s as a DAC in a system connected to a preamplifier and speakers? I am looking to connect this to a preamplifier in my 2 channel audio setup.
anrojGoogle "Topping DX7s Audioscience Review" It's currently the first link on google (audiosciencereview.com message board post). It shows the harmonic characteristics of this as a DAC, not testing the Amp portion. It is an extremely potent stand-alone DAC. It's often considered the "reference" ESS90x8 implementation in this specific price segment (up to even the 700+$ segment). If you've got a set of powered speakers, or a balanced power amplifier arrangement, this is probably one of the better implementations you can get from what I've read. It's apparently on par with the "reference" AKM449x implementation of the you-knew-I'd-say-it Schitt Jotunheim w/Balanced DAC sound quality-wise. I was choosing between this, the Jotunheim, the SMSL SU8, and Aune S6. Landed on this one because it is such a well regarded stand-alone "full-balanced" DAC that ALSO has a competent Amp, not an amp with a competent DAC. The next "tier" of DACs use exotic R2R, FPGAs, multi-bit, or full-feature "Pro" implementations that run WAY north of my budget. From everything I've researched, you're not really going to find a better DAC or DAC/Amp combo based on the ESS chip until you start breaching into the $700-900 Audio-GD 28.x8. Can't wait for this to finally show up so I can test if that's really true ^_^
rpger9756Thank you for the well thought out response. That was a wealth of information and I definitely appreciate it. I currently own the baby brother to the DX7s (D10 with upgraded opamp) and really like the sound. I owned a Mytek Brooklyn and also an iFI Audio iDSD Black Label that I really liked and used both in my main system. I'm anxiously waiting for the DX7s to arrive.
anrojGet the D50. Half the price of the dx7. But u need clean power supply cos it doesn’t come with one. I’m running a D50 with ifi ipower out to a Cyrus one amp.
LenstaI have already purchased the DX7s and was notified this morning that is has shipped. I had considered the D50 but I need balanced outs in my setup and I also like the balanced headphone jack that I can use with my Sennheiser HD650s.
anrojYou can’t go wrong with the dx7, especially if it meets your requirements. For double the price, it will definitely outclass the d50. If you’re using it for headphones then you’ll need the amp feature in dx7 which includes a decent power supply. That itself justifies the cost as decent power supplies aren’t cheap.