Headphone amp suggestions - Focal Clear

[Entrigo]

Hello wise headfi fok...

So - just bought a pair of Focal Clear, and currently using them with a Topping DX7 Pro.

I like the Topping well enough, but need analogue line in so can connect to my amp and listen to records through headphones.

I need suggestions for:

A: DAC + amp combo with RCA line in to replace the Topping

Or

B: just a headphone - and can keep the Topping as DAC (also as it is on for sale and no bites)

Budget around £300 max (used very much my go-to).

Neutral sound and "drive".

I was thinking about Fiio K7 but I also read the Focal don't do too well with THX amps - the Clear sound good to me with the Topping but I am new to "head-fi" so have no yardstick...

Was also looking at Arcam rHead but I read it could be a bit "soft".

Any suggestions welcome.

 

[Jasonovich]

Hello wise headfi fok...

So - just bought a pair of Focal Clear, and currently using them with a Topping DX7 Pro.

I like the Topping well enough, but need analogue line in so can connect to my amp and listen to records through headphones.

I need suggestions for:

A: DAC + amp combo with RCA line in to replace the Topping

Or

B: just a headphone - and can keep the Topping as DAC (also as it is on for sale and no bites)

Budget around £300 max (used very much my go-to).

Neutral sound and "drive".

I was thinking about Fiio K7 but I also read the Focal don't do too well with THX amps - the Clear sound good to me with the Topping but I am new to "head-fi" so have no yardstick...

Was also looking at Arcam rHead but I read it could be a bit "soft".

Any suggestions welcome.

I would say keep your Topping (as DAC only) and get a good quality headamp like the Audalytic HP70 (Gustard sister brand)

It has all the RCA inputs you need, also balanced XLRs, operates in Class A and fits your budget.... see Amazon link below

LEAUDIO Gustard/Audalytic HP70 Fully Balanced Discrete Headphone Amplifier LME49720 Double op-amp (Black): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy LEAUDIO Gustard/Audalytic HP70 Fully Balanced Discrete Headphone Amplifier LME49720 Double op-amp (Black) at Amazon UK.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Entrigo]

I would say keep your Topping (as DAC only) and get a good quality headamp like the Audalytic HP70 (Gustard sister brand)

It has all the RCA inputs you need, also balanced XLRs, operates in Class A and fits your budget.... see Amazon link below


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LEAUDIO Gustard/Audalytic HP70 Fully Balanced Discrete Headphone Amplifier LME49720 Double op-amp (Black): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Buy LEAUDIO Gustard/Audalytic HP70 Fully Balanced Discrete Headphone Amplifier LME49720 Double op-amp (Black) at Amazon UK.

www.amazon.co.uk

This looks really good - BUT.

It's a bit big... The Topping sits on top (semi-pun not intended) of my CV player, sharing the space with the Wiim Pro Plus.

No other shelves available sadly - when I had the made to measure shelves built, back in 2018ish, I thought I'd only need the 3 - turntable, amp and CD player...

Which is why I was looking at tiny boxes like the Fiio, Arcam, Topping L50 and the like.

 

[Entrigo]

Now if just someone bought the Topping, issue would be resolved. I could even push the boat out towards the Fiio K15 (not sure if it's worth the extra £££ on specs and performance alone but I love the looks haha)