budget USB DAC amp, which?

gychang · 16th May 2011, 01:38 PM

kit preferred, like to have one RCA input (ipod). Options which are not necessary but want to look into are. Source is flac file from my PC.

1. built in headphone amp.
2. subwoofer output.

I can use my t-amp if amp if not part of the kit to drive my fullrange.

Can someone suggest a device?

gychang

qusp · 16th May 2011, 04:06 PM

ermm, a budget usb dac with built in power amp, ADC and preamp/lineamp, headphone amp, surround mixer?

have i missed anything?

i think you need to narrow your requirements

gychang · 16th May 2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qusp

ermm, a budget usb dac with built in power amp, ADC and preamp/lineamp, headphone amp, surround mixer?

have i missed anything?

i think you need to narrow your requirements

sorry, budget DAC with extra one RCA input.

gychang

qusp · 17th May 2011, 06:22 AM

yes, but an rca input means it must also have a line stage and ADC, or a preamp input that bypasses the digital stages. its an unusual request and i think it will be hard to find in anything but commercial gear, like some soundcards will have all that you want except the power amp.

gychang · 17th May 2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qusp

yes, but an rca input means it must also have a line stage and ADC, or a preamp input that bypasses the digital stages. its an unusual request and i think it will be hard to find in anything but commercial gear, like some soundcards will have all that you want except the power amp.

I understand now, it sort of defeats the purpose of DAC... having analog input. Is there a basic DAC kit that I can connect to my PC (flac) and my modified t-amp that folks recommend?

gychang

nightanole · 17th May 2011, 02:49 PM

Search ebay for mini usb dac amplifier.

or check out the FIIO E7

von.ah · 19th May 2011, 06:04 PM

In my office I've been using the budget USB DAC from hifimediy coupled with a hlly TAMP20 for a few months and like the combination very much. Great performance per dollar spent.

t-head · 25th May 2011, 08:23 PM

gychang,

hifimediy USB DAC is basic, cheap and sounds good if you can figure out a chassis/box for it. Tends to the soft side. runs off USB power. Hifimediy|Hifimediy UAC27 mini USB DAC, PCM2706/WM8501, USB>S/PDIF converter

PopPulse SuperPro USB DAC is oversampling, already boxed, needs a 12v supply(included) and tends to detailed/bright. Home Audio :: Digital to Analog Converters :: Pop Pulse Compact SUPER DAC 707U W/ New PS - ALO Audio

Add a DPDT switch and RCAs or 3.5mm jack to your T-amp for additional input...

headphone amp? C-moy?

kevinahcc20 · 25th May 2011, 10:24 PM

gychang,

I have a Hlly DMK IV preamp/DAC which includes optical, coax and USB DAC inputs as well as one analog input. It handles source selection, volume, balance and comes with a remote control, but it is not a kit...comes fully assembled. Not sure where your line for budget ends, but I got it on eBay for $291 with shipping. I have been very satisfied with the performance of this device.

gychang · 26th May 2011, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevinahcc20

gychang,

I have a Hlly DMK IV preamp/DAC which includes optical, coax and USB DAC inputs as well as one analog input. It handles source selection, volume, balance and comes with a remote control, but it is not a kit...comes fully assembled. Not sure where your line for budget ends, but I got it on eBay for $291 with shipping. I have been very satisfied with the performance of this device.

thanks for input, am a diy guy...

16th May 2011, 01:38 PM	#1
gychang diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Phoenix, Arizona	budget USB DAC amp, which? kit preferred, like to have one RCA input (ipod). Options which are not necessary but want to look into are. Source is flac file from my PC. 1. built in headphone amp. 2. subwoofer output. I can use my t-amp if amp if not part of the kit to drive my fullrange. Can someone suggest a device? gychang __________________ -- Good sound from Phoenix, AZ

25th May 2011, 08:23 PM	#8
t-head diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Key Largo	gychang, hifimediy USB DAC is basic, cheap and sounds good if you can figure out a chassis/box for it. Tends to the soft side. runs off USB power. Hifimediy\|Hifimediy UAC27 mini USB DAC, PCM2706/WM8501, USB>S/PDIF converter PopPulse SuperPro USB DAC is oversampling, already boxed, needs a 12v supply(included) and tends to detailed/bright. Home Audio :: Digital to Analog Converters :: Pop Pulse Compact SUPER DAC 707U W/ New PS - ALO Audio Add a DPDT switch and RCAs or 3.5mm jack to your T-amp for additional input... headphone amp? C-moy? __________________ trust, but verify...

25th May 2011, 10:24 PM	#9
kevinahcc20 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Farmington Hills, MI USA	gychang, I have a Hlly DMK IV preamp/DAC which includes optical, coax and USB DAC inputs as well as one analog input. It handles source selection, volume, balance and comes with a remote control, but it is not a kit...comes fully assembled. Not sure where your line for budget ends, but I got it on eBay for $291 with shipping. I have been very satisfied with the performance of this device. __________________ Kevin(ahcc20)...I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

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16th May 2011, 04:06 PM	#2
qusp is choosing a less facetious title... diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia	ermm, a budget usb dac with built in power amp, ADC and preamp/lineamp, headphone amp, surround mixer? have i missed anything? i think you need to narrow your requirements

17th May 2011, 06:22 AM	#4
qusp is choosing a less facetious title... diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia	yes, but an rca input means it must also have a line stage and ADC, or a preamp input that bypasses the digital stages. its an unusual request and i think it will be hard to find in anything but commercial gear, like some soundcards will have all that you want except the power amp.

17th May 2011, 02:49 PM	#6
nightanole diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009	Search ebay for mini usb dac amplifier. or check out the FIIO E7

19th May 2011, 06:04 PM	#7
von.ah diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maryland, USA	In my office I've been using the budget USB DAC from hifimediy coupled with a hlly TAMP20 for a few months and like the combination very much. Great performance per dollar spent.

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