Best DAC/AMP under $200

[Pogre]

This is not under 200$ but this is most likely only dac/amp combo you will ever need https://jdslabs.com/product/objective2-odac-rev-b/

My son is looking at getting a nice set of cans and dac/amp since he currently doesn't have the room for a full system. I know nothing about the headphone world. Would that unit cover everything he'll need? I see there's a USB input, is that where he'd hook his phone up to it or could he use the headphone jack on his phone? Is that pretty much a starting point price-wise for an amp/dac combo?

 

[John Parks]

My son is looking at getting a nice set of cans and dac/amp since he currently doesn't have the room for a full system. I know nothing about the headphone world. Would that unit cover everything he'll need? I see there's a USB input, is that where he'd hook his phone up to it or could he use the headphone jack on his phone? Is that pretty much a starting point price-wise for an amp/dac combo?

The Objective 2+ODAC is strictly a desktop unit, designed for hookup to a computer. I do not believe it has OTG (On the Go) capabilities. For something to connect to a phone, the Audioquest Dragonfly series might be a better option.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

My son is looking at getting a nice set of cans and dac/amp since he currently doesn't have the room for a full system. I know nothing about the headphone world. Would that unit cover everything he'll need? I see there's a USB input, is that where he'd hook his phone up to it or could he use the headphone jack on his phone? Is that pretty much a starting point price-wise for an amp/dac combo?

If you are in budget 02SDAC combo could be nice as well. These are more of desktop setup how ever. I'm not so much on the go stuff.

 

[Pogre]

If you are in budget 02SDAC combo could be nice as well. These are more of desktop setup how ever. I'm not so much on the go stuff.

Okay, thanks guys. I need to ask him a few more questions then. I'm assuming a desktop setup because he's shooting for something to listen to at home. He's the one who asked about hooking his phone into the JDS Labs unit (he knows less than I do about headphones, lol).

Can he get something pretty good for $250 - $300 total, cans and all? We don't even have a budget, but I don't see him able to afford much more than that.

 

[Truthslayer]

I would avoid something like this that comes with any kind of booster, especially from company never heard of. If you are in budget you should look for O2SDAC instead.

You seriously never heard of ifi audio.

 

[Darrnn]

Sorry to bring up the old topic. Recently faced a similar problem and this is what I want to say.

Although I'm completely new to 1) HiFi audio and 2) this forum, I'm super impressed on how thorough everyone is here. Thank you all for putting so much of your time in reviews, comparisons, help, etc. I've been looking for a DAC/Amp combo for under $200 myself, which eventually led me here. I'm a bit more informed of what's out there and where we are in 2019 when it comes to quality vs price. However, I've never tried anything except commercial receivers that I had hooked up to the ps3/ps4.

What I'd Like:

A nice desktop DAC + headphone amp or Combo device
USB and Optical IN for my computer and PS4
Quality DAC
Quality HP OUT so it can power my entry-level headphones (32 Ohm) and any future HIFI headphone I purchase
Reliable, so it can last me a good while.

My considerations:
Topping DX3 Pro - $220 - https://www.amazon.com/Dilvpoetry-Topping-Headphone-Amplifier-Bluetooth/dp/B07KTXG1YQ

It's a great DAC with a headphone amp. It has everything I could want. However, I'm hesitant because of all the problems people have been having. Although, since following the DX4 Pro thread people say topping is working on a fix. Also found this seller saying they have a March edition (link here). Not sure. I send them a message to see what they reply with.

Modi 3 + Magni 3 - $198 - https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-Modi-Converter-Delta-Sigma-DAC/dp/B07KWHWV1M

Reliable and powerful. Scores well on the SINAD chart.

Khadas + Atom - $198

(+$25 if you build a case for Khadas Tone Board) (+$25 on SPDIF to Optical adapter)
Amazing DAC and Headphone Amp. Only con is the SPDIF IN on the Khadas. Need adapter to make it work with the optical source (ps4, tv, etc). Is it worth it though?

Topping MX3 - $130

The little engine that could do it all. DAC, headphone amp, speaker amp with sub-woofer out, BT. Not the best/latest components, but has everything you could want and they work well.

Micca OriGen G2 - $110

Great DAC with a headphone amp. Older, but good Wolfson circuitry. Analog combination optical S/PDIF digital output is a plus.

Also, recently found this Youtube video -

Hope this helps