A home for my cans

I don't think any of the DAC/headphone combo's (Grace, Benchmark, TADAC, Apogee, etc.) are going to equal the output of a top-flight headphone amp...or even the HP output on the conventional amps I mentioned (those where attention is actually paid to the HP output (not many). I can tell you for certain having heard them, Benchmark and TADAC, though adequate, are not in the same league as the amp I currently use for HP use. I've never liked Benchmark's sound, BTW, so that kind of ruins it for headphones too. TADAC (2007-2009 model) is an excellent DAC, IMHO, and has a decent headphone output too. But I don't think any of those dual-use units are meant to compete with dedicated amps. They are most certainly convenient, being a one-box solution. Have not heard the Grace and Apogee first hand, to be fair - I am speculating there. Read what others have to say, listen yourself and make your own judgment. I also owned a Micro-ZOTL for about a year - Loved it with Sony MDR3000 cans. Excellent HP amp!

Jax2,,

How about units that play BOTH hp and lp headphones?

Same problem of trying to do too much or is it the topography of the unit that makes it possible for both to shine?

Thanks,
Jake

How about units that play BOTH hp and lp headphones?

Sorry, don't know what you mean..what are hp and lp headphones? Are you talking about amps with variable gain, or two jacks with different gain?

Have been happy with the Benchmark DAC1 USB. Upgraded to a Benchmark HDR which is connected via balanced cable to my McIntosh MC-275 amplifier. Truly a fine unit and sounds terrific with my Denon AH-D7000 headphones as well.

Benchmark headphone amp is good quality - it will drive some difficult load studio type headphones really well. My old Studio AKG 240's really sing with H1 amp (originals bought the year after they came out). These headphones do not really like typical cheap hi-fi headphone amps like you get with hi-end consumer gear.