XDuoo TA-01 DAC/AMP + Philips Fidelio X1

[Faceman]

Hey guys, I have a question about a tube DAC/AMP.  I want to pair it with the Philips X1 and wondering if this will be a good combo.

 

How do you guys think something like the XDuoo TA-01 DAC/AMP($135) would fair with the Philips Fidelio X1s?  I currently have a FiiO E10K, I'm pleased with it, but the price on the DAC/AMP listed above looks good and I can probably resell the FiiO for close to what I paid.

 

I have no experience with Tube amps, but I know they are considered higher end.  The FiiO E10K is good.  I'm happy with it, I like its aesthetic, its functionality, and especially its beautiful mechanical dial, dunno why I'm such a sucker for that, but I love a good feeling knob.(Yes, I know how that sounded).  In terms of performance, it is not much of an improvement over onboard audio of my Asus Z97-AR.  Its only when I enable gain and bass boost that I get a nicer experience out of the E10K over onboard with the Philips X1.  With my Superlux HD668Bs, the FiiO is a much better experience over onboard.

 

 

Is something like that DAC/AMP I linked above a worthy upgrade?

 

[xtroria]

I've never heard of the brand before, so I probably won't really recommend it. 

[SSL]

Based on the specs it should be an upgrade in power output. Who knows what the sound quality is like. If it's anything like most boutique/Chinese audio products it's probably trash for the money; designed by people who figure all you need to make a good amp/DAC is to throw a tube in there and use a "high end" audio chip.