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Best Dac under $200 bucks?

post #1 of 15
10/26/09 at 8:57pm
Thread Starter 
I've been looking around but I haven't found one amp in the 200 dollar price range that stands above the rest. Any suggestions?
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post #2 of 15
10/26/09 at 9:27pm
E-MU 0404 USB would be my recommendation, and seems pretty universally liked. There's also the Fubar II, Pro-Ject USB box (which is nice because it doesn't require external power), and the Zero DAC.
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post #3 of 15
10/26/09 at 10:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by revolink24 View Post
E-MU 0404 USB would be my recommendation, and seems pretty universally liked. There's also the Fubar II, Pro-Ject USB box (which is nice because it doesn't require external power), and the Zero DAC.
Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.
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post #4 of 15
10/28/09 at 6:50am

HRT Musicstreamer+

I went through a Lite DAC (TDA 1543 x 8) used in conjunction with a HagUSB, and then a DIY Paradise Monica 3 USB DAC, and was never completely satisfied. I kept returning to my vinyl set-up figuring that it took megabucks to get a musical computer based rig going. Two weeks ago, however, I gave the HRT Musicstreamer+ a try, and was completely blown away. It's a 100 bucks or so more than your stated budget, but man is it worth the money. All of the reviews of this little dynamo are correct - - it is far and away the greatest $300 bargain I've ever run into. The improvement in my computer set-up has been stunning and the little guy's probably not broken in as yet.

Harold Albert
Bangkok, Thailand
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post #5 of 15
10/28/09 at 10:34am
The HIFIDIY Aune DAC/Amp has been getting a lot of excellent reviews and is only $150 shipped.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/hif...ne-amp-407756/

Also the iBasso D2+ seems excellent and is around $190 shipped.
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post #6 of 15
10/28/09 at 6:36pm
Bought myself the Fubar II with the optional Supplier power supply this week... properly impressed.

Upgraded from an M-Audio Transit.
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post #7 of 15
10/28/09 at 6:41pm
I have heard great things about the HRT music streamer which got absolute sounds golden ear award.
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post #8 of 15
10/28/09 at 11:37pm
If you want to build your own, I think the AMB Gamma1 is about $100 all said and done (don't quote me on that). You'll need a soldering iron though, if you don't already have one. If you don't have any equipment, you might be looking at $150 at most.


I don't know how much more it is to upgrade to the Gamma2.
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post #9 of 15
10/29/09 at 12:19am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by the chemist View Post
I have heard great things about the HRT music streamer which got absolute sounds golden ear award.
Good to know about the streamer, which I hadn't heard about till now. Any idea about the differences between the regular and the plus? There's a huge jump in price.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ntropic View Post
If you want to build your own, I think the AMB Gamma1 is about $100 all said and done (don't quote me on that). You'll need a soldering iron though, if you don't already have one. If you don't have any equipment, you might be looking at $150 at most.
It's tempting but I tried soldering once with my Nintendo Wii, and let's just say it didn't turn out well.
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post #10 of 15
10/29/09 at 12:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ntropic View Post
If you want to build your own, I think the AMB Gamma1 is about $100 all said and done (don't quote me on that). You'll need a soldering iron though, if you don't already have one. If you don't have any equipment, you might be looking at $150 at most.


I don't know how much more it is to upgrade to the Gamma2.
A fellow on these boards named MisterX can make both of the gamma dacs for you. I don't know if he wants me to say prices, but let's just say it's very competitive and close to the DIY price.
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post #11 of 15
10/29/09 at 1:37am
Thread Starter 
So many dacs to choose from, the more I research the more confused I get. I think I'll be choosing between the E-MU 0404 USB and the Zero DAC/Amp but I'm still not sure.
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post #12 of 15
10/29/09 at 1:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderloochy View Post
So many dacs to choose from, the more I research the more confused I get. I think I'll be choosing between the E-MU 0404 USB and the Zero DAC/Amp but I'm still not sure.
Isn't the Hifidiy MKII supposed to be a better performer than the Zero?
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post #13 of 15
10/29/09 at 1:54am
I'd throw another one into the mix:

The Musiland 02 Monitor US

Comments on it on Head-fi: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/mu...-02-us-443786/

Bargain. Beats an opamp upgraded Asus Essence STX and comparable to DACs 4x it's price.
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post #14 of 15
10/29/09 at 1:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyline889 View Post
Isn't the Hifidiy MKII supposed to be a better performer than the Zero?
Yes, by quite a margin too. It's said to have the amp based off the SOLO. The MK2 isn't around anymore. It's been updated again as the MK2 SE version now due out Nov 10th.

The Headroom Total Bithead is another DAC amp(portable) for 160 bucks shipped.
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post #15 of 15
10/29/09 at 8:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderloochy View Post
So many dacs to choose from, the more I research the more confused I get. I think I'll be choosing between the E-MU 0404 USB and the Zero DAC/Amp but I'm still not sure.
This is an admittedly broad generalization, so take it for what it's worth. A product like the 0404 is designed for semi-pro recording and the design objectives will have to do with reproducing the original file as accurately as possible within the limits of the budget. Hifi products like the streamer may or may not have the same objectives. They may be deliberately coloring the signal to achieve a signature tone. In fact, I would expect, with my prejudices admitted, exactly that from an inexpensive DAC that won an AS golden ear award. I know what I like and would choose the 0404 without hesitation. If you're not so sure, see if you can get both of them in with a decent return policy, compare them (blind if possible), and send back the one you like least.

P
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