DAC PCB choice help & advice :)

[aulday]

1. Which one of these sounds the best, and why?

If you've not heard them, then which do you think will sound the best and why?

2. Can we put them in some kind of ranking order?

3. I initially thought the PCM5102, but I read some negative comments in this thread: DIYHiFi.org • View topic - Leaf Audio XMOS 384k 32bit DAC: PCM5102, TDA1308, PE-65x12
However I could not discern the useful information from the amount of theoretical showmandship being displayed. Anyone owned this one? or can comment on the PCM5102?

4. Is there a better alternative to all of these for under £35?

I am going to use it via USB, then output to a tube buffer board and into a TA2050 amp board. Probably make a perspex housing for it all.

I will also occasionally use headphones: HD595's

I know one of them doesn't have RCA out but I can add a switch to send it to RCA connectors when not on headphones.

A: PCM2706 + CS4344 +Dual TDA1308 Parallel Output USB DAC Headphone Amplifier | eBay

B: Assembled TE7022+CS4398+OPA2132 USB DAC board 24BIT-96K | eBay

C: coaxial DIR9001 + WM8740DAC decoders USB + coaxial G-1 | eBay

D: XMOS PCM5102 TDA1308 USB DAC 384KHZ/32bit YJ USB Encoder Board l | eBay

Thank you!

 

[aulday]

Although DAC "C" says 24 bit, it has a PCM270x USB chip so it will only run 16bit via USB.

 

[aulday]

I went for the PCM5102 in the end as the WM8740 did not have a headphone out.

Any recommended mods would be appreciated.

Thanks