USB DAC possibilities for <$150

[Ang]

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!

[analog_sa]

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.

[Ang]

thanks analog

second link should have been this

[analog_sa]

This looks a lot better. Component quality is really good for a kit. No idea how they manage. Having used a very similar chip set i would say sound quality is pretty good and would make a nice alternative to you NOS dac.

[OneyedK]

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!!!

[Ang]

Are you referring to the USB module without the Opus?

[analog_sa]

Originally posted by OneyedK
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

[xaudiox]

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

[OneyedK]

Originally posted by Ang
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)

Originally posted by analog_sa


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...

[analog_sa]

Originally posted by OneyedK

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.