Affordable USB DAC / Pre-Amp with balanced outputs

[zydeco]

 

I'm after a USB DAC / Pre-Amp as an audio interface between a Windows 11 PC and some active desktop speakers. The unit must be small footprint, solid-state, balanced (XLR) outputs and a headphone output. It'd be ideal to have Bluetooth and/or Roon Endpoint inputs but a single USB input would suffice. I'd like to keep the budget to $500 but could push this to $1k if essential. It seems as if such units are sold as 'DAC / Headphone Pre-Amp". One unit that has stood out is the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M which is at the top end of the budget. Any other suggestions that might be suitable at a lower price point?

 

[Snoopy8]

Maybe this ?

https://audiophileshop.com.au/products/topping-ex5-mqa-dac-headphone-amplifier

[POV]

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-dac-v2/

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/ifi-audio-zen-dac-v2-headphone-amplifier-dac

 

Personally I have not heard something better under $500.

 

 

Edited December 30, 2023 by POV

[Snoopy8]

2 hours ago, POV said:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-dac-v2/

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/ifi-audio-zen-dac-v2-headphone-amplifier-dac

 

Personally I have not heard something better under $500.

But no XLR output. 

[Neo]

8 minutes ago, Snoopy8 said:

But no XLR output. 

Non traditional xlr

[2Brix]

@zydeco you might already know that iFi do their own Pentaconn (TRRRS) to Dual-XLR balanced cable, or else get a custom made jobbie e.g.

[zydeco]

On 30/12/2023 at 5:58 PM, Neo said:

Non traditional xlr

Thanks. Is the balanced output variable, that is, volume controlled? (The 4.2V fixed seems to suggest that its not volume controlled)

[Neo]

Why not click the link to A2A and have a look at the product as a whole? Above 

But to your question it’s is variable and fixed depending on the slider switch on both balanced and rca connectors that outputting the sound. 
Neo

[Neo]

Edited January 1, 2024 by Neo