Reference DAC or D/A converter?

[fabriciom]

Hi,

Can you guys recommend me a DAC or D/A converter solution that is affordable?

Preferable a DIY kit.

Im currently using an rme adi-8 ds and its quite good but Im just wondering if there is something better and affordable?

The use would be for music production.

Thanks!

 

[Markw4]

Maybe worth taking a look at something like Allo Revolution DAC. It is a USB dac. It should be powered from an external good quality low noise 5v power supply. Revolution DAC - Digital input USB (uUSB) - Analog output RCA 2.25Vrms

 

[rfbrw]

The Allo may be short by a channel or two. Try the DAC8Pro by Okto research. Failing that try Behringer or Focusrite. DIY 8ch dacs are not very common though there was a project going that way.

 

[Markw4]

I usually use a stereo dac for music production. Only need one monitor pair. Maybe multiple mics though. However, there are some use cases where several outputs are needed.

My concern about the Okto DAC8Pro would be that visually it looks like a good candidate for modding to improve performance. That could be a good or a bad thing, depending.

 

[fabriciom]

Maybe worth taking a look at something like Allo Revolution DAC. It is a USB dac. It should be powered from an external good quality low noise 5v power supply. Revolution DAC - Digital input USB (uUSB) - Analog output RCA 2.25Vrms

This one requires win drivers. It seems?

Im Mac based.

The Allo may be short by a channel or two. Try the DAC8Pro by Okto research. Failing that try Behringer or Focusrite. DIY 8ch dacs are not very common though there was a project going that way.

This looks good but its pricy.

I dont really need so many input/output. 2 channels in and 2 out would be enough.

 

[Markw4]

I believe Allo Revolution is compatible with Linux and Macs. Its that they don't require special drivers like Windows does.

 

[Markw4]

If you want two in and two out, that's not purely a dac. A dac is only the out part of it.

 

[fabriciom]

If you two in and two out, that's not purely a dac. A dac is only the out part of it.

I can live without the inputs. 😀

 

[Markw4]

For a low cost, 2-in, 2-out unit, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is very popular, and it measures pretty well too (considering the price). It has become a mainstay of the Voice-Over industry.

 

[fabriciom]

In case anyone comes to this thread searching for the same what I found.

No DIY projects.

But there are 2 Chinese DACs that have very good rep over at Audio Science Review.

One is the Gustard X16 which is not in stock but its around 400€. This one has two ES9068AS.

And the Topping D90 which is around 600€. This one comes with AKM AK4499. They call this DAC "surgical".

The X16 supposed to be the best of the two.

 

[Markw4]

The Chinese AK4499 dacs all use Accusilicon clocks. IME, those clocks take 3-days of constant running before they fully stabilize and the dac sounds its best. Quick impressions before that are not very useful.