Looking for DAC/AMP Suggestions for My Hifiman Edition XS's, Budget of $250

Bigbanger666 on 21/06/2025 - 22:03
Last edited 21/06/2025 - 22:37 by 1 other user

I'm looking for suggestions about the best bang for the buck DAC and amp for my Edition XS's, as I just got them from a previous deal.

From researching the Qudelix 5k seemed to be the best contender (namely due to their PEQ, amongst other things), however I would rarely be utilising the bluetooth and portability they are best known for. I was also looking at the DX3 Pro+, though I'd prefer a balanced output if I decide to upgrade in the future.

Greatly appreciate any help, and would be open to buying new/used due to my budget.

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  quill on 21/06/2025 - 22:27

  Onix alpha xI1? Could be had for under USD $80 on AliExpress or $72 on linsoul during 6.18 or 11.11 sales.
  Rated very well https://youtu.be/x3TVuXruKu4 despite being a portable dac

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  frondono on 21/06/2025 - 22:42

  there was a deal for the dx3 on here the other day

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  funkyblue on 22/06/2025 - 07:25

  I've been using this for years. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DKHSB2V1/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1…
  Fits what you need. Happy to help with other options.

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  n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 22/06/2025 - 18:22

  I was also looking at the DX3 Pro+,

  that's the one posted for $255 recently (it's still that price at addicted audio) so right in your budget.

  I have some issues with the DX3 design though. it's all black and looks like a black painted headphone jack, so good luck finding that when dark. 😂

  also because it's so low to the ground, and the knob is facing forwards, that might be a bit tricky to grab and spin. idk just my two thoughts straight away when looking at it.

  if you are ok with something cheaper and little less power. I recommended the Fosi Audio SK20 (currently $109) to two users now who were on a $100 budget. it has balanced out btw. so you can use that to get more power.
  Fosi SK02 is very well reviewed. I like that it's compact, and large volume knob facing up. headphone jacks easy to find, has speaker out at the back.

  if you are worried about power SK20 is rated "Max Power Output: 3.5mm: 280mW@32Ω, 4.4mm: 1100mW@32Ω" if you used balanced it's 73% of the way there of the DX3 which costs 2.5 times as much. and nobody uses the maximum level on headphones.

  I also looked it up how to calculate power. most headphones get plenty loud with 1mW (I looked it up yours is 92dB). apparently you double the mW for every 3dB+. so 95dB would be 2mW, 98dB would be 4mW, 101dB would be 8mW, 104dB will be 16mW, 107dB will be 32mW, 110dB will be 64mW etc (but I think you will reach hearing damage before this).

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  2loud2old on 22/06/2025 - 22:20

  I have an iFi zen dac with my anandas which i really enjoy, balanced out but touch more than your budget at $319 atm