If I were stuck with affordable mid-tier options, Sundaras might be on the table. Outside of it’s price point, not much left.

Yup

I did a small blind test with a friend between iPhone 5s, 2021 Macbook Pro, and RME across 3 song intros. I volume matched each source with a test tone, mic, and calibrating volume. Findings were 100% inconclusive even after numerous re-listens/comparisons.

I loved playing with the Loki in my Schiit stack, but honestly, the RME has everything I want/need.

Try different sources. Test it. There are differences (especially with amps) but only up to a certain range (for reasonably drivable headphones), and after that the margin of error between performance diminishes a lot.

I could absolutely, 100% hear differences from my old analog mixer (BX-8) headphone outs vs any audio interface. The headphone out was mega powerful, but was also just weird (tho operating properly). FR definitely got a bit wonky with the mixer headphone out.

From my Presonus Audiobox iTwo to Schiit DAC/Amp. I believe there were differences, but it was very hard to tell. Easily placebo, I have to admit. I did trial after trial.

From my Schiit to RME, I believe I could not hear a difference.

I did a small blind test with a friend between iPhone 5s, 2021 Macbook Pro, and RME across 3 song intros. I volume matched each source with a test tone, mic, and calibrating volume. Findings were 100% inconclusive even after numerous re-listens/comparisons.

I would love to see these folks who say “It all just opened up after I bought this $1000 amp to replace my $500 amp. 🤯” do a blind test and fail repeatedly.

Where’s that openness? 🤷‍♂️ Where’re the obvious differences? 🤷‍♂️ Where’s the incredibly better soundstage? 🤷‍♂️