Looking for a DAC that can also drive low impedance headphones [Archive]

Barry

13-10-2025, 21:54

Good Evening everyone,

I'm looking for a stand-alone DAC, with balanced outputs, that can also drive low impedance headphones (8 Ohm) via a 1/4" jack socket.

I thought I had found such a device with the TEAC UD-H01 USB Audio DAC. However it doesn't work properly with any of the CDPs I have: ML390s; Studer-Revox C221; SimAudio Moon 260D, or a Sony CDP XB930.
Despite having a variety of input options, it would seem to be intended to be used only with computers.

Sennheiser has recently reduced the price of their HDV 820 headphone amplifier which also includes a DAC. However it is only intended to drive high impedance headphones (>300 Ohm) headphones, and the review on ASR is damming, especially given the cost.

So does anyone have a suggestion? All suggestions will be greatfully received.

Ali Tait

14-10-2025, 08:34

This might fit the bill Barry-

https://forum.headphones.com/t/jds-element-iv-dac-amp-review-measurements/24896

Barry

14-10-2025, 09:05

Thanks Ali, I'll look into it. :)

CageyH

14-10-2025, 13:10

How about the RME ADI-2?

Barry

15-10-2025, 13:52

How about the RME ADI-2?

That looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Thanks Kevin.

My only concern is I want to use it as a stand alone item: it seems as though you have to connect it to a PC, download an app in order to set up the various options.
What I want is something I can "plug and play".

CageyH

15-10-2025, 17:29

You don’t have to connect it to a PC.
It will work stand alone.

Lawrence001

15-10-2025, 22:28

Good Evening everyone,

I'm looking for a stand-alone DAC, with balanced outputs, that can also drive low impedance headphones (8 Ohm) via a 1/4" jack socket.

I thought I had found such a device with the TEAC UD-H01 USB Audio DAC. However it doesn't work properly with any of the CDPs I have: ML390s; Studer-Revox C221; SimAudio Moon 260D, or a Sony CDP XB930.
Despite having a variety of input options, it would seem to be intended to be used only with computers.

Sennheiser has recently reduced the price of their HDV 820 headphone amplifier which also includes a DAC. However it is only intended to drive high impedance headphones (>300 Ohm) headphones, and the review on ASR is damming, especially given the cost.

So does anyone have a suggestion? All suggestions will be greatfully received.The Teac should be plug and play with any red book transport via coax spdif or optical. If it isn't it's probably faulty. Where did you buy it from?

CageyH

16-10-2025, 15:40

Just to add that you can connect the RME ADI-2 to a PC for firmware updates, and to use the app, but that is not essential. I have never noticed a difference in sound quality by doing that.

I use mine through the dedicated remote control to change source, and power it on.
Nothing else needs tweaking.