Hi all-
I have a specific application (a PC build) in need of a DAC, with a budget of $200-$300. I really like the look of Twisted Pair stuff, but it is more than what this project calls for. I am looking at ready-built stuff, like the DragonFly and similar, but thought that perhaps a kit would have more value, although DIY is not a critical requirement here.
Your recommendations are greatly welcome!
BTW, A-USB is great, but would settle for coax I suppose.
BTW2, up to $300+- does not have to include the enclosure..
I have a specific application (a PC build) in need of a DAC, with a budget of $200-$300. I really like the look of Twisted Pair stuff, but it is more than what this project calls for. I am looking at ready-built stuff, like the DragonFly and similar, but thought that perhaps a kit would have more value, although DIY is not a critical requirement here.
Your recommendations are greatly welcome!
BTW, A-USB is great, but would settle for coax I suppose.
BTW2, up to $300+- does not have to include the enclosure..
Thanks for the links guys, very interesting. I also ran across this one, any thoughts on it? Looks kind of serious, ES9018 DAC + USB board + transformer + enclosure for about $250. Shipping from china might be high for all of these though.
Assembled board ES9018 32bit 192khz Hi End DAC Optical Coax and Balanced output | eBay
Except I don't understand the discrepancy between "balanced output" and RCA jacks. Did they not implement the balanced? I could really use these for an active setup.
Assembled board ES9018 32bit 192khz Hi End DAC Optical Coax and Balanced output | eBay
Except I don't understand the discrepancy between "balanced output" and RCA jacks. Did they not implement the balanced? I could really use these for an active setup.
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The ODAC is pretty nice and well worth your consideration. I like it as a one board solution and it does things well and sounds good, I think it is an excellent value. I also like the y2 DAC, but you said you were looking for a finished unit. It was a nice build and I like the sound of it too. The soon to be released "subbu" looks to be a real winner, don't own one so cannot speak from experience, but I did sign up for two of them!
I agree, ODAC has detailed measurement and blind tests behind it, ships from the US and within budget. The units on eBAY look good because of separate power supplies, but hard to say what this will bring in these specific implementations.
iFi-audio iDAC
never heard it, but everyone who did ar3e quite impress.
designed by thorsten loesch. you cant go wrong
never heard it, but everyone who did ar3e quite impress.
designed by thorsten loesch. you cant go wrong
Well, there are lots of them around that price point. If you don't like it USB powered, then they offer a matching USB power supply for $200 more..
Given that it also includes an Async USB interface for the price, it looks like a very nice deal.
I wander why there is not a comprehensive list somewhere, maintained by the power of the crowd, of all currently available DACs.. And maybe other components..
I was too, but Stereophile are mighty convincing when it comes to the DragonFly.. Any thoughts?
AudioQuest DragonFly USB D/A converter | Stereophile.com
hmm, then I might be just ignorant...
Thank you for letting me rethink about the USB powered ADC.
Thank you for letting me rethink about the USB powered ADC.
I meant to say:
I only have had bad experiences with USB powered DAC, but those new generations would be OK...
I only have had bad experiences with USB powered DAC, but those new generations would be OK...
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