Reddit mentions of Topping DX3 Pro USB DAC Headphone Amplifier DSD512 32Bit/768kHz XMOS XU208 APTX Bluetooth Optical Coaxial Stereo Audio Amp Decoder

$30 DAC - Link - Please know these aren't game changers, it's only offering better quality sound than your motherboard. If your headphones or speakers aren't that great, it's not doing to do much. Weakest link type of thing. If your headphones suck, these wont help. But if you have a decent set of phones, many people have sworn by these.

$75 DAC - Link - More expensive, better sound output. Again, should be paired with even higher quality sound gear. $100+ speakers/headphones.

$115 DAC - My Dac - Link - I needed a dac with a little power. I use speakers with my setup instead of headphones. This one is 2x25. It's honestly the most anyone should need for a 2.0 system.

$80 Speakers - Link - These are mine. I love them. Best combined $200 I've spent. Instead of a CPU that will need to be replaced in two years, these will out last many builds if I take care of them. The reviews are through the roof compared to the price. And I'd have to agree.

There are a million reviews about the topping DAC + Micca speakers. Things feel more immersive. I think that's the simplest way to put it.

For a few bucks more, take a look at the VX1. /u/ZeosPantera has a video about it on his youtube channel.

If you need an all-in-one device and you have a limited budget, this is probably a decent option. However you would more than likely be better served with a better dac/headphone amp and then maybe a cheaper topping to run speakers, if you so desire.

Which 770s do you have? If its one of the higher ohm models, then maybe you would want to look elsewhere for headphone amplification.

Exactly the SD793 and SA36or50. That is a combo that is pretty hard to beat right now. I am reviewing the Topping VX1 currently and it seems to be OK in all aspects and comes to the same price as the SD+SA combo.

The sub you are going to get is the Martin Logan 300. Nothing to really choose in that size unless you get up to the SV1000.

Buying the Topping VX1 and Micca MB42x. Do I need banana plugs (it comes out on Amazon's recommended items)? Or can I just directly wire the speakers with 16-guage speaker wire?

I bought the Topping VX1

I picked this one as it allows me to leave the headset plugged in at all times. There is a button on front with allows me to swap between just my main speakers / just my headset / or playout though both.

For my speakers I am running the high level output to a Dayton Audio SUB-800 8-Inch 80 Watt Powered Subwoofer and then to a pair of Dayton Audio B652 6-1/2-Inch 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers

So looking at your area I see a few options, but none strike me as a great deal. However, based on your location this may be normal. I attempted to check the price of shipping from various ID sellers and shops and it seems shipping will be $100-$200 which isn't ideal as it really hurts your buying power.

You can attempt yourself to see what the shipping is. I tried Chane's bookshelves, HTD's level three, Audio Advisor, and Accessories for less.

The only retailer that I could find that was reasonable shipping was of course Amazon. So here are my suggestions:

Local speakers to try:

B&W DM601

Paradigm Mini Monitor V6

If looking new:

Monitor Audio B1

I think the Paradigm or MA should be the preferred routes. The DM601 isn't really worth it unless it's at least a S2, if original it may be worth around $150-200. Still, nothing hurts trying to negotiate a better price on the used ones - you'll need it on the electronics side.

Your biggest problem is finding power and cheap. If you could even find a budget Onkyo locally you will likely be ahead as shipping hurts. Otherwise you'll looking at something like a T-Amp/DAC combo from amazon or paying ~$160 shipped to get something like this rebadged Amp 100 which doesn't include the DAC. If your laptop has a mini-toslink there's a Fiio DAC on Amazon for ~$20 that would work - while it isn't USB equipped it does allow you to move it around later one being toslink/spdif. So this amplifier, the B&W speakers, and the DAC could fit in your $500 though I think the speakers are overpriced. If you could get the Paradigms for $300 the APA 100, Fiio, and them would likely be up your alley.

For all intents and purposes you could get the Monitor's and this amp shipped for around $500 or get a slightly more powerful T-Amp like this and one of the used pairs, but I'm hesitant to recommend chi-fi T-amps considering that shipping is so expensive that return shipping for repairs/returns could really hurt.

If none of these solutions float your boat, the LSR305 in the OP and a DAC could still work as well and would fit in your budget rather easily.

maybe this
http://www.amazon.com/Topping-TP30-Digital-Amplifier-USB-DAC/dp/B005D7SKWK

or
http://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-VX1-Tripath-Subwoofer-Amplifier/dp/B00H6XDE4S/ref=sr_1_cc_9?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1456886130&sr=1-9-catcorr&keywords=smsl+q5

or the smsl q5
http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Q5-Pro-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B014P5I93A/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1456886130&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=smsl+q5

I think the smsl q5 pro has a remote and sub out, but's just out your price range.

Looks like Topping VX-1 would be perfect for you.

Edit: just noticed floor speakers. In that case VX1 might not work, as its power output is just 25W. I'm not sure if you can find a small amp that has enough power to drive large speakers.

Topping Vx1 Speaker amp, headphone amp, and DAC all in one. Not the best at any one thing, but can't beat it for the price and all in one convenience.

Yeah but you could also get this Topping VX1 and just connect your speakers right to it. I have one for my home office and one for my, uh, office office to use regular bookshelf speakers for desk speakers. Great little guy. If you want to use an external amp you're out of luck unless it has high level input.

I did not pay that - in fact paid $99 - I have no idea why it is that expensive now. I didn't even check price, sorry.

But any of the topping dual amp dacs will work

Edit: this one

[Reposting from /r/headphones on a commenter's suggestion]

Budget: $200-300 USD.

Source: Two computers, both with USB or optical capability.

Desired product: DAC/Headphone Amp w/optional speaker amp

Currently I have a desktop and a laptop that I switch between. I have a pair of passive Paradigm Atom V.7's and some 595-modded Sennheiser HD555's. I'm planning on adding a subwoofer in the near future.

I'm on a quest to find a desktop audio solution that will do all of the following:

• Support 2 computers, through any combo of Analog/SPIDF/Optical/USB.
  
• Provide a headphone output.
  
• Provide a line level output or a subwoofer output.
  
• Offer an headphone toggle so output can be routed to either the line outs or the headphone.
  
  
• [Optional] Act as a speaker amplifier in the 15+ watt range. I'll also take suggestions for inexpensive amps, but I'll likely get an inexpensive T-Amp.
  
  I've used the Topping VX1 and Topping TP41. They got me used to the headphone toggle and since I work from home and have lots of meetings I've grown to love it. However neither unit really fits my future plans.
  
  I really really like the Teac A-H01 but it doesn't have a headphone toggle switch, just an auto-mute on plug-in.
  
  So far I've found the Audinst MX2 (currently on eBay for ~$230) which covers pretty much all my bases. I'd just have to add a speaker amp and route the line output through the subwoofer first.
  
  There's also the Audio Gd NFB.11.32 but at $350 I'd rather get the Audinst.
  
  I'm also not opposed to going the component route. Part of me is considering a mostly Schiit stack with a DAC -> Sys Switch -> Headphone Amp or Speaker Amp. The downside there is cost.
  
  Anyway, I'd love to hear suggestions or input. Thanks!

TOPPING VX1 2×25W T-AMP Tripath Stereo Hi-Fi Power Subwoofer Amplifier USB DAC US Digital Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H6XDE4S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ntBTub0411GRE for example. .it has an amp in it..

Topping VX1 or an AVR or a stereo receiver. I think SMSL might make one that has both a headphone port and speaker outputs as well. Q5?

Topping makes a 25 watt version of an integrated DAC/t amp:
TOPPING VX1 2×25W T-AMP Tripath Stereo Hi-Fi Power Subwoofer Amplifier USB DAC US Digital Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H6XDE4S/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_WauFub0MRR9EC

I've been thinking of pulling the trigger on it for a bit.

http://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-VX1-Tripath-Subwoofer-Amplifier/dp/B00H6XDE4S

Is the only thing close to your budget.

You could try something like a switch. 3.5m M to M cable to the input spot, headphone on A, 3.5m to RCA y adapter from B to your speaker amp. There are some cheap ones, but almost all of them (including this one) have at least a couple bad reviews saying you add noticeable noise. Doesn't control volume, so this gets a little awkward (control volume of headphones in Windows, but control volume of speakers on the amp). This also doesn't handle the mic, so that would still have to plug into the back.

Something like this would increase quality and make volume control easier. It's a separate DAC/headphone amp, along with a preamp that would go out to your speaker amp (again using a 3.5mm to RCA y adapter). Connecting the mic separately to the back of the computer would still be awkward. As you mention, there are separate AMPs that would have similar functionality, but most aren't necessarily cheaper than this.

There are also combo DAC / headphone / speaker amps. Something like this. Not any cheaper, though, and still doesn't have a spot for your mic. Benefit here is only needing one device for both headphone and speaker.

Creative makes a complete solution, but it's crazy expensive. I would honestly buy a USB desktop microphone rather than spend this much.

I am looking for the same kind of solution in the same budget with an additional requirement: the ability to switch between speakers and headphones with a physical switch.

Here is a thread at ASR with some relevant options: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/dac-with-physical-output-selection-switch.6336/

Two solutions seem to stand out:

• SMSL T1 + powered speakers
  
• Topping VX1 + passive speakers
  
  As most people here I tend to prefer passive speakers.
  
  I might go for the VX1 unless I can find an alternative with a more modern USB implementation.
  
  ​
  
  ​

Get a pair of Micca MB42X
Powered with this

And get this as your source http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-000910-Bluetooth-Audio-Adapter/dp/B00IQBSW28

Only reason I recommend that amp is because the dac is built in and your using bluetooth as the source. Otherwise I would get a smsl SA50, with a behringer dac, but you would have bluetooth with that

Getting a new desktop setup, budget is $300-$350, looking at combining the following:

• Mackie CR5BT CR Series Channel Studio Monitor - $250 - $50 rebate = $200
  
  
• TOPPING VX1 2x25W T-AMP Tripath Stereo Hi-Fi Power Subwoofer USB DAC US Digital Amplifier - $82
  
  
  Anyone have feedback or experience with either of these? :)

If you don't need a great deal of power, there's the Topping VX1. It also has a decent DAC via USB input, and goes for (as of current) under $82. One nice feature is you can switch outputs without unplugging your headphones (or use both simultaneously).

Downsides: The analog volume knob can make noise when you change the volume (true of most inexpensive amps), and the bright blue LEDs can dazzle in low-light conditions. While it doesn't offer a large amount of power, it's plenty for my needs (plenty loud for near-field use in a medium-sized room).

Topping makes one, but will need to be switched manually.

Alright peeps...Hopefully I can get some help here. I currently use an old Lepai LP-2020A+ amp for my Micca speakers...It seems to be acting up as of late, the left speaker cuts out a lot and I have to move it around to get it work again.

On the other end, I use the small FiiO e6 for my headphones. To make things short...I want to combine these two into one device, if possible.

I saw this product:

https://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-VX1-Tripath-Subwoofer-Amplifier/dp/B00H6XDE4S/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469052909&sr=8-5&keywords=Topping+amp

Which seems to be what I'm looking for...Unless I'm missing something? This would indeed let me run my speakers, then when I want, plug in my headphones on the front...Correct?

Thanks for any help provided!

Gaming headphones have a different composition and purpose than studio headphones. I don’t think you’ll need a different amp for the Astros.

I had this Topping VX-1 (Amazon) which powered my desktop speakers, and was also a DAC and amp for my headphones (ATH m50). You could toggle the output signal to speakers, headphones, or both. It was a decent, little device. Not the best quality, and if I’d spent any more on headphones I would be using a nicer device. But it just died on me after three years. Might suggest you look for a basic audio/sound switcher instead.