DACs and AMPs

Audio is purely subjective, your tastes may vary! These are just some popular options that are well-reviewed online!

Combo DAC/AMP

  • under $100: Topping DX1 ($99)
  • under $200: Fiio K11 ($129) or K7 ($199) / Topping DX3 Pro+ ($199) / SMSL DL100 ($179) or DL200 ($189) / Schiit Magni Unity ($189)
  • desktop streamer: Fiio R7 ($699)

The Fiio R9 ($1499) has a much better DAC and AMP than the R7, but is quite a bit more expensive

USB

  • under $10: Apple dongle
  • under $50: Fiio KA1 ($49)
  • under $100: Fiio KA13 ($79 $59) / Moondrop Dawn Pro ($59)

The Fiio KA13 is confusingly the successor to the KA3, so if the KA3 is cheaper than get that

Bluetooth

  • under $100: Fiio BTR13 ($69)
  • a bit over $100: Qudelix 5K ($109)

The Fiio BTR15 ($109) is also a good option

DAC/AMP Stacks

  • Schiit Modi + Magni
  • JDS Labs Atom 2
  • Topping E30 II + L30 II
  • Topping D50 III + A50 III

DACs

  • under $100: SMSL SU-1 ($79)
  • under $150: Schiit Modi ($129) / JDS Labs Atom 2 ($149) / Topping E30 II ($149)
  • under $250: Topping D50 III ($229)

AMPs

  • under $100: Aiyima A07 Max ($79 $65)
  • under $150: Schiit Magni ($119) / JDS Labs Atom 2 ($129) / Topping L30 II ($149)
  • under $200: Topping A50 III ($199)

Other

  • input switch: Schiit SYS ($49)
  • equaliser
    • analog
      • 4-band: Schiit Loki Mini+ ($149)
      • 6-band: Schiit Lokius ($299)
    • software: Equalizer APO