Suopermanni

Okay, just tried the Fein DAC II with USB connection to my PC with my Hypex based stereo amp. I think I'm getting noticeable differences between the D70 and the Fein DAC II. Both are great but if you are on a tighter DAC budget and can deal with the more limited warranty on the Topping D70 compared to the Fein DAC II, the Topping D70 makes a compelling product. However, if you can afford it and have good gear, the Fein DAC II is an excellent choice especially with local aftermarket support of high quality. @doomigee2 The Fein DAC II does not have a headphone out and from what I can tell, there doesn't seem to be plans to add one to it, considering they've already released a separate HP amp.

Since you will be making amps using the Purifi modules, from what I have read, do you have an idea of how much they would sell for?

From my limited experience with STAX, I would concur that something like the the HD800 would be the closest thing to it.

I'm not sure about anyone else here in this thread currently but looking at my own experience with amps and DACs and headphones, I'm increasing getting the impression that the following may be true. 1) Preferences in audio may not be transitive or consistent. I may like A to B and may like B to C but I may like C to A. 2) Preferences in audio may change over time, they are not immutable. 3) I myself may only have a limited understanding of what I like because it based of what my tastes are at the time. 4) If the above are true, then I have no way of knowing what I'm doing nor whether what I'm doing achieves what I want...which itself is dependent on other factors. 5) If so, then my search for my audio nirvana is futile as it cannot mean anything.

If you want that, then TH900 AND LCD3 should NOT be on your list. The LCD3 are totally not like STAX and will do nothing for you if you love the STAX sound. I happen to like the Audeze house sound so they do something for me.

Alright, I've received the demo Fein DAC II to compare with the Topping D70. Here is what I've noticed: I will try the coaxial output on both units as well. Both are good units and will serve their users well. I will say that Fein DAC II definitely has improved casework compared to the GroB unit I had before. Clayton has done a great job with the Fein DAC II, in my opinion.

Alright, I've received the demo Fein DAC II to compare with the Topping D70. Here is what I've noticed: I will try the coaxial output on both units as well. Both are good units and will serve their users well. I will say that Fein DAC II definitely has improved casework compared to the GroB unit I had before. Clayton has done a great job with the Fein DAC II, in my opinion.

Unfortunately, the same price though with slightly improved performance if the measurements are correct. The issue for both would be availability and shipping cost.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=39359 - Just been notified of this showing up! Looks like a direct competitor of the THX789 on MassDrop. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/monoprice-monolith-thx-887-balance-headphone-amp-new-champ.8942/ - And looks like ASR got a review copy. If the measurements pan out, we may have an alternative to THX789.

Oh! So you imported the headphone! I thought there was a local Australian stockist for ZMF?

How much is the ZMF Verite?

Was there when they were still at Camp Hill. I wonder what the new store is like?

I'm going to have to have a look there when I can to see what they have.

Apparently Topping is planning to release a ESS Sabre 9038 Pro based DAC like the DX7s but with the 9038 Pro chip.

Perhaps wait a bit for the DX7 to come out?