Bang For Buck Desktop Solid-State Amplifier 2023
The Topping L70 is an A90 disguised within a smaller chassis, with a digital display, and a resistor ladder volume control that has an additional remote control capability but for less money. In other words, you’re getting a lot for a modest investment.
The L70 to me is presently a better buy over the A90 but not over the A90 Discrete because of the slight performance gain. Perhaps if you’re the type of person that prefers the old fashion switches then the A90 might be more appealing to you.
But advancements move us forward and the L70 is a step forward since it brings the consumer extremely close to A90 performance but with the benefit of a smaller price tag and still manages on top of that to throw in an even longer list of useful features.
Topping Website | Shenzhen Audio Website
Bang For Buck Desktop Tube Amplifier 2023
The Drop + xDuoo TA-84 is a solid answer for those of us who have high-impedance headphones and welcome a dedicated OTL amplifier with good power management at an affordable price. We found there was adequate power no matter what we threw at it.
The 600Ω AKG K240 DF sounded fabulous with plenty of warmth to the signature, countering the normally reference-like signature.
More expensive options such as the ZMF Eikon benefitted from a dedicated high-impedance option, too. The openness with which the Eikon presents a signature cozied up to the tube sound without bother, adding warmth where we needed it.
There are just enough options on the TA-84 to make for a worthy look as a viable option. We liked the power, sound, and simplicity; and can recommend it as a result.
This is a fine OTL amplifier, which could be made even better if you choose to tube roll, which is always fun. The TA-84 will take its place next to the TA-30 on our desktop as a nice addition.
Bang For Buck Desktop DAC 2023
The Topping E70 is a surprisingly good DAC that feels right at home in a desktop scenario or injected into a home theatre hub. The control set feels a bit awkward and unrefined but the remote control simplifies using this unit making it a top-choice DAC for couch dwellers.
The sound quality is on par with more expensive DAC sections, particularly in staging and 3D presentation plus it also excels with a very low noise floor.
This is a DAC we can recommend fully for 2023 and beyond and without hesitation due to the list of its unique features, flatline frequency response, and high dynamic range. Just keep a micro cloth handy and you’ll be okay.
Topping Website | Shenzhen Audio Website
Bang For Buck Amp/DAC 2023
At $129.99 the K11 integrated DAC and headphone amplifier is a bit of a no-brainer. An affordable desktop DAC/AMP that can deliver excellent power with a very neutral tonal quality is impressive.
It is a well-built piece of audio equipment, that also gives users the chance to add some RGB flair, or maintain a stealthy aesthetic, all within its convenient user interface.
It may not have nice-to-have features such as Bluetooth connectivity, or suit those who like a warm sound signature, but it does its job of powering headphones extremely well.
The K11 has our full recommendation. We only wish it came out much sooner than 2023 since it can essentially replace multiple amps and DACs in almost any budding audiophile’s collection, at a lower price.
FiiO Website | FiiO Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Editor’s Choice 2023
The Shanling H5 is almost as feature-rich as its bigger sibling, the H7, for virtually half the price. Key aspects such as local playback storage, the stubbier form factor, good power, and a plethora of I/O options are all there which give it an outstanding level of value.
The sound is going to appeal more to those who want power and vocal priority. It’s a rich and smooth sound with some pleasing low-end density and a nice black background with good channel balance at low volumes.
This is less reference-like and more emotive-driven in terms of how the listener will connect with it. Technical aspects such as separation and staging headroom come second with its more intimate presentation.
What to watch out for? The impedance skew, there is some there if we go by the subjective IEMatch results with low impedance monitors. However, it’s not always a preferred option and it will come down to your personal preference in terms of how you like your gear to sound.
Shanling Website | Shanling Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Louis
We guess what iFi Audio was referring to all along when they wrote “bigger, bolder, better sound” was to the sound quality level exclusively and they hit that goal if you compare the UNO sound quality to every onboard PC sound, laptop, or mobile device’s audio performance out there.
In that light, the iFi Audio UNO certainly is an improvement over many things. It also makes a great first-timer and an easy-to-transport DAC amplifier. It’s a step above the common dongle DAC if you always wanted similar performance but in a desktop style. The EQ curves are just extra sprinkles.
It seems iFi Audio in this particular case shared the GO Link components, inserted them into a very small desktop-like chassis, and added some features which turned out to be a good idea.
Why? Because of the additional three-curve EQ selector, the PowerMatch feature along with an extra set of RCA outputs. Plus, the addition of a volume knob and the pre-out capability easily puts the iFi Audio UNO into the high-value category for 2023.
iFi Audio Website | iFi Audio Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – James
With a robust yet attractive design and thoughtful tuning, the Falcon Ultra is a great choice for audiophiles seeking higher clarity as well as versatility on the go, all at an affordable price point for 2023.
The strong magnets implemented help deliver a remarkably dense and textured output, so you probably need to keep it away from mechanical watches.
The rest of the package is enjoyable and we could easily recommend it to those who are using the IEMs for different purposes and are seeking an exciting, well-defined yet controlled sound signature.
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Lynn
Having spent well over 100 hours with the FT3 32 Ohm including referencing in a few other reviews, I have come to appreciate the tuning of it.
There is enough to like about the new lower impedance model to make it well worth the effort in comparison to the established headphone benchmarks in this price range.
Having spent well over 100 hours with the FT3 32 Ohm including referencing in a few other reviews, we have come to appreciate the tuning of it. Even if it may not be class-leading like the HD 6xx, it is different enough to give the consumer a real conundrum in 2023.
There is enough to like about the new lower impedance model to make it well worth the effort in comparison to the established headphone benchmarks in this price range.
The fit is excellent for long listening sessions. Two choices in the pad department come standard and make changing the signature as easy as snapping one set off, and the other on. The multitude of interchangeable jacks is also well thought out and a nice inclusion.
The increased heat capacity of the pleather/suede pads can easily be lived with due to those differing signatures in the two pad choices. In an extremely tough segment, FiiO now just happens to have two open-back headphones, which can compete very well against those established markers.
FiiO Website | FiiO Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Cheryl
The Questyle NHB12 is perfect for people dipping their feet for the first time in the high-resolution audio market. It’s a great product and a simpler plug-and-play solution for enjoying high-quality music on the go. The flexibility of a 3.5mm cable also is a good inclusion to make it more versatile for the users.
For people who already have skin in the game or already invested in IEMs and portable DACs, this will be more of a side-grade or a complimentary setup specifically for iPhone owners.
With its current dollar tag, this will be competitive as a standalone dongle and a good IEM can amount to a similar price in 2023. The main advantage of the Questyle NHB12 would be its integrated design, and easy iPhone compatibility which lessens potential points of failure when out and about.
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Meldrick
The TempotTec IM05 opened our eyes to how good IEMs in the sub-$150 market have gotten in 2023.
We often found ourselves subconsciously comparing the ITM05 to IEMs that are more than double the price. And when compared to other IEMs within the price range such as the Open Witch Pro, it frankly blows them out of the water.
This is a V-shaped sound signature, with an emphasis on the bass and treble regions, and a recessed midrange. The sound is energetic, dynamic, and fun, but it may not be suitable for those who prefer a more balanced or neutral presentation.
It is also important to highlight the level of detail retrieval it can bring to the table despite its low price and V-shaped tuning. If you’re looking for the perfect trifecta of value, resolution, and enjoyability, we would have no problem giving the IM05 a strong recommendation.
TempoTec Website | TempoTec Amazon USA
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Aldous
We were not disappointed that this new amplifier from SMSL got added to the review list for 2023. The H300 expressed itself with ample allure and technical traits substantiating its understated credentials.
If the D300 indicates anything, it’s that your wallet should be ready to burn a little bit more dough to keep up with the potential of the H300. Only be mindful of your choice since the H300 tends to become edgy, especially in the upper frequencies.
However, with a 10W power reserve and a built-in three-level gain to couple with a wide range of gears, it makes sense to think of the H300 as a long-term desktop upgrade. Its wide selection of IO also covers most of the common cables and interconnects used in the industry so no one will feel left out.
SMSL Website | Shenzhen Audio Website
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Josh
The Effect Audio Cadmus 8W is a very good cable for those seeking to enhance the bass, mid-range, and staging of their IEMs at a very reasonable price.
Effect Audio has brought its A-game to its affordable signature series in 2023 by ensuring the design and craftsmanship of the Cadmus 8W are second to none.
Effect Audio Website | Musicteck USA
Bang For Buck Writer’s Choice 2023 – Michael
The DUNU Alpha 3 is the best overall musical earbuds Mike has ever reviewed. It has everything. Amazing build, amazing imaging realism, and excellent response to bass and vocal EQ.
Its biggest fault is the lack of response to treble alteration and even then, it was meant to be used for a long time without fatiguing pounding treble.
Trust us, grab a powerful little portable source, EQ it a bit, and watch what happens to the bass experience and lower mids. You’ll laugh, (in a good way).
This is the start of beautiful things for hanger-style earbud lovers like Mike. Just wait until the other brands catch wind of this, they will revise and take another step to improve this even more.
It’s A Wrap!
Well, that wraps it up for 2023 folks for our Bang For Buck Gear Awards. We can promise you we will have a ton more great value gear to review for 2024 and we do hope it will be a positive year also for all of our readers wherever you may be.
We also hope you enjoyed listening to the gear as much as we did and as always we want to thank the readers and companies for making this hobby of ours just so fascinating.
Thank goodness for affordable gear and for still being able to find awesome stuff that punches way above its price tag! Stay tuned for the Top Gear Awards for 2023 in a few days to find out what the creme of the crop was for this year!
