USB DAC recommendation

currentflow · 5th November 2010, 02:59 PM

As per title, I'm looking for a USB DAC for use with a netbook running Ubuntu. Could anyone recommend a device please? I was considering the Cambridge DacMagic at around £220, but would consider a kit-based or DIY DAC. An S/PDIF and/or optical interface would be useful (for another PC) although not essential.

Thanks in advance.

Currentflow

mickeymoose · 8th November 2010, 03:02 PM

You did not mention bits + sample rate needs or the purpose for the unit, but check out the T.I. PCM2902. I am in the process of designing a board (dual channel line in/out). Unfortunately the PCM2902 is limited to 16 bits and 96kHz.
E

jrenkin · 8th November 2010, 03:08 PM

Lots of good feedback on twisted pear audio Buffalo II.

nightanole · 8th November 2010, 04:04 PM

Best usb powered non diy one ive seen:

Amazon.com: HRT Music Streamer II High Resolution USB D/A Converter: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

currentflow · 8th November 2010, 10:47 PM

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I don't yet know what bit/sample rates I need although this appears to be limited with a USB interface. I am really looking for the best sound reproduction for around £200 or less.

Regards,
currentflow

Francec · 21st November 2010, 08:53 AM

My suggestion is purely out of self-interest; AMB u1. I like the small size and seeming full features and would love someone to give one a test run.

Frank

MrSlim · 4th December 2010, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francec

My suggestion is purely out of self-interest; AMB u1. I like the small size and seeming full features and would love someone to give one a test run.

Frank

Well, if you mean the Gamma 1 (aka y1) , it works fine with Linux. I have a Gamma2, which uses the inputs of the Gamma 1 (s/pdif and USB) and it works great (Gamma 2 is a modular add-on to Gamma 1)

kevinahcc20 · 4th December 2010, 01:02 PM

I recently picked up a Hlly DMK II Dac-Preamp on eBay for $294 shipping included. Has USB, Coax & Optical ins plus analog, does up to 96K/24 & a remote for source selection/volume/balance. This lets you handle a wide range of digital sources and vinyl with an outboard phono preamp. I'm very pleased with the sound & convenience of this compact unit.

tvrgeek · 17th December 2010, 05:52 PM

Very happy with a cheap "Muse" brand Chinese e-bay unit. Clearly better than my high end Rotel. I do want to build a better power supply for it. Not USP powered though. Small enough you could build a battery pack. Cambright and PS are well received, but one would have to convince me they actually sound better, or if the bucks were better spent on cans or more music.

Dane · 17th December 2010, 06:50 PM

I've run the NuForce uDAC on a laptop running Ubuntu from a USB memory stick. It recognized the DAC, and the media player played fine through it reading my FLAC files from another portable drive.

5th November 2010, 02:59 PM	#1
currentflow diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008	USB DAC recommendation As per title, I'm looking for a USB DAC for use with a netbook running Ubuntu. Could anyone recommend a device please? I was considering the Cambridge DacMagic at around £220, but would consider a kit-based or DIY DAC. An S/PDIF and/or optical interface would be useful (for another PC) although not essential. Thanks in advance. Currentflow

4th December 2010, 01:02 PM	#8
kevinahcc20 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Farmington Hills, MI USA	I recently picked up a Hlly DMK II Dac-Preamp on eBay for $294 shipping included. Has USB, Coax & Optical ins plus analog, does up to 96K/24 & a remote for source selection/volume/balance. This lets you handle a wide range of digital sources and vinyl with an outboard phono preamp. I'm very pleased with the sound & convenience of this compact unit. __________________ Kevin(ahcc20)...I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!

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8th November 2010, 03:02 PM	#2
mickeymoose diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008	You did not mention bits + sample rate needs or the purpose for the unit, but check out the T.I. PCM2902. I am in the process of designing a board (dual channel line in/out). Unfortunately the PCM2902 is limited to 16 bits and 96kHz. E

8th November 2010, 03:08 PM	#3
jrenkin diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado	Lots of good feedback on twisted pear audio Buffalo II.

8th November 2010, 04:04 PM	#4
nightanole diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009	Best usb powered non diy one ive seen: Amazon.com: HRT Music Streamer II High Resolution USB D/A Converter: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

8th November 2010, 10:47 PM	#5
currentflow diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008	Thanks for all of your suggestions. I don't yet know what bit/sample rates I need although this appears to be limited with a USB interface. I am really looking for the best sound reproduction for around £200 or less. Regards, currentflow

21st November 2010, 08:53 AM	#6
Francec Banned Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Port Melbourne, Australia	My suggestion is purely out of self-interest; AMB u1. I like the small size and seeming full features and would love someone to give one a test run. Frank

17th December 2010, 05:52 PM	#9
tvrgeek diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Md	Very happy with a cheap "Muse" brand Chinese e-bay unit. Clearly better than my high end Rotel. I do want to build a better power supply for it. Not USP powered though. Small enough you could build a battery pack. Cambright and PS are well received, but one would have to convince me they actually sound better, or if the bucks were better spent on cans or more music.

17th December 2010, 06:50 PM	#10
Dane diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston	I've run the NuForce uDAC on a laptop running Ubuntu from a USB memory stick. It recognized the DAC, and the media player played fine through it reading my FLAC files from another portable drive.

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