I've used the basic Scott Nixon USB dac before and now I need another usb dac. Before repeating myself I wondered if anyone could give me there take on these
ebay option 1
ebay option 2
They're both around the same price as the Nixon dac. Other options in the price range would work too. Thanks!
ebay option 1
ebay option 2
They're both around the same price as the Nixon dac. Other options in the price range would work too. Thanks!
Not sure what's the difference between Option 1 and 2. A trick question?
While Scott Nixon's dac is a known quantity these "options" are really not what one would call a "usb dac". It is more of a headphone preamp with, among other things, a usb input. How well that "powerful DSP" works can be anyone's guess. An ADC in a DAC?! Too weird for my taste. And too little left to diy.
While Scott Nixon's dac is a known quantity these "options" are really not what one would call a "usb dac". It is more of a headphone preamp with, among other things, a usb input. How well that "powerful DSP" works can be anyone's guess. An ADC in a DAC?! Too weird for my taste. And too little left to diy.
Even if you have to save a little bit more:
http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/opus/opus.aspx
Value for money is truly great, and the support they give is priceless!!!
http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/opus/opus.aspx
Value for money is truly great, and the support they give is priceless!!!
OneyedK said:Value for money is truly great, and the support they give is priceless!!!
For very similar performance it seems about 3x more expensive than the ebay dac. But it's made in the USA
how about this?
http://us.hifidiy.net/Article.asp?articleid=203
$90 for the kit without the tube and transformer..
http://us.hifidiy.net/Kits.htm
http://us.hifidiy.net/Article.asp?articleid=203
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
$90 for the kit without the tube and transformer..
http://us.hifidiy.net/Kits.htm
Ang said:Are you referring to the USB module without the Opus?
Nope, including the opus... Price is about $50 more expensive than what you wanted to pay... (but includes the transformer)
analog_sa said:
For very similar performance it seems about 3x more expensive than the ebay dac. But it's made in the USA
Ahem... Including shipping and transformer, it will not be a huge difference... (how do you calculate that 3x more expensive???)
I cannot comment on the performance of those e-bay-dac's, since I don't own one and they don't give schematics.
What I can do is tell you I have an Opus, and yes, it can compete with the best out there...
OneyedK said:
I cannot comment on the performance of those e-bay-dac's, since I don't own one and they don't give schematics.
Who needs schematics? It's obviously a datasheet implementation of 2707/some spdif receiver + PCM1798 + standard opamp IV/filter. And a tube socket But really nice caps throughout.
I realise that "DIY" projects are usually more expensive than commercial, particularly second-hand stuff but for $90 you get a whole lot of qualty parts which is quite unusual.
I may be reading the Twistedpear price list wrongly but for the same functionality (USB/Coax/optical, no ASRC) and part count 3x seems about right.
What Anq needs:
Opus DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit) $175.00 USD
Avel Lindberg Transformer (115V+115V prim. / 15V+15V 15VA sec.) $22.00 USD
United States shipping cost $0 USD
International shipping cost $6 USD
I don't want to argue, but this is great value for money.
Maybe you don't need a schematic to be happy (to me that's added value) but the knowledge you really get support if you need it, is priceless to me.
btw, I don't trust a designer who places a tube so close to an electrolytic capacitor.
And I do know the price for a good stransformer to feed that tube (I build and rebuild Fender and Marshall amp clones and originals),
so I think the advertised price is only half the total cost (including shipping).
Opus DAC + USB Receiver Combo ([1] DAC Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] USB Receiver Module (Assembled and Tested), [1] LCDPS Kit) $175.00 USD
Avel Lindberg Transformer (115V+115V prim. / 15V+15V 15VA sec.) $22.00 USD
United States shipping cost $0 USD
International shipping cost $6 USD
I don't want to argue, but this is great value for money.
Maybe you don't need a schematic to be happy (to me that's added value) but the knowledge you really get support if you need it, is priceless to me.
btw, I don't trust a designer who places a tube so close to an electrolytic capacitor.
And I do know the price for a good stransformer to feed that tube (I build and rebuild Fender and Marshall amp clones and originals),
so I think the advertised price is only half the total cost (including shipping).
Opus is great choice. You can start with the basic modules and add as you need. The boards are pre-built (mostly surface mount components). The PS is the only board you have to solder. Mine worked right away. I'm not sure if the DAC chip in the other kits is pre-soldered, but if you have never done surface mount, that could be a real challenge. I have some pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/bugandang/Hifi02?authkey=9Q4ATFWceoQ
MASantos said:analog_sa, just because the chips are the same doesn't mean that the quality of the dac, boards, and design is the same. There are tons of designs for amps, dac's ,pre amps out there using similar parts but with very different performance specs.
Don't think i've said the chips were the same. Nor that the performance was equal. My comments were just based on perceived value. Which of the two actually sounds better is anyone's guess.
How about USB Monica from Diyparadise http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=62
PCM2707 I2S to EAIJ conversion with synchronous reclocking TDA1545 DAC with Rudolf Broertjes SS I/V.
I don't have one but within budget at $145
PCM2707 I2S to EAIJ conversion with synchronous reclocking TDA1545 DAC with Rudolf Broertjes SS I/V.
I don't have one but within budget at $145
Peter Menting said:Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Opus a Balanced DAC?
Yups, the Opus is indeed a balanced DAC, but the output is strong enough to use only + and gnd outputs. (that's the way I'm using it since I haven't got the ballsie installed)
That is interesting since I am considering this unit but would have waited untill I had funds for all the components.[but the output is strong enough to use only + and gnd outputs
No question about their support, it is excellent
Pete!
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.
- Home
- Source & Line
- Digital Source
- USB DAC possibilities for <$150