Looking for my first DAC/AMP to pair with HD650

I bought a Sennheiser HD650 second hand for $300 and I'm looking to spend $200-300 on a DAC/AMP.
I have a pair of powered speakers (Microlabs Solo 8C). If I understand correctly, the functionality of the pre-outs on the Schiit Magni 2U and Schiit Fulla 2 would provide me the ability to switch devices by plugging the HD650 in. As such, I have narrowed my audio solution down to the M2U and F2. Which of the following options would give me the best audio quality and user experience?

1) Schiit Fulla 2 connected to motherboard USB
$200

2) Schiit Magni 2U connected directly to motherboard, relying on on-board ALC889 chip for DAC purposes
$279

3) Schiit Magni 2U connected immediately to a Fiio D03K by RCA male-male adapters, connected to motherboard optical out
~$279 + $40 + cables

Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum. I disliked your post for a few reasons: (1) it's in the wrong subforum; (2) it doesn't need it's own thread; and (3) makes it seem like you exercised little to no effort in utilizing existing forum resources.

To aid in your endeavor, here are some of those resources:

• http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/the-all-purpose-advice-thread.19/; see similar recent question
  
• http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/sennheiser-hd650-m-compendium.3188/
  
• http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/schiit-fulla-2-released.3439/ (option I'd go with in your position)

All the best,
-zonto

 

Great, thanks. How do I delete this thread?