My laptop's music library is quickly filling with hi-res music, so I'm looking for a decent, budget (<$250) DAC that can receive a 24/96 signal over USB.
Currently, I mostly use the Fischer Audio DBA-02 and Superlux HD668B, neither of which require much amping, if at all, but are both quite revealing and "bright"-ish for analytical headphones. Thus, my laptop's on-board soundcard isn't quite doing the trick.
I just wanted the input of more experienced individuals on what would be a suitable DAC for my uses. Portability is not a concern; rather, neutrality of sound and future-proofing are. Ideally, I'd use a USB DAC/Amp combo, but ones that I'd want are a bit out of my budget at the time.
As of this time, I can think of these few choices from low to high (that I can also get here in Taiwan):
1. Musiland Monitor 02 US 3500 NT ~120 USD
2. Nuforce uDAC-2 4500 NT ~150 USD
3. Audinst HUD-MX1 5500 NT ~180 USD
4. AudioGD NFB-3** 6000 NT ~200 USD
5. Musiland MD10 6150 NT ~205 USD
6. Yulong U100 6900 NT ~230 USD
**The NFB-3 sticks out like a sore thumb in this list; it happens to be a fairly new, second hand item that the guy just really wants to sell off because he's moving. The NFB-3 also doesn't seem too suited for headphone rigs, but I just threw it into the mix for consideration's sake.
Of all the DACs on this list, I've only listened to the uDAC2. They are a nice choice with regard to price, size, and style, but I found them a bit too colored for my tastes. I may have a chance to listen to the Audinst in a few days. As for the others, I won't have the opportunity to listen.
If there are other good choices that I've forgotten to list, please let me know; they may or may not be available in Taiwan, but I can definitely try to hunt for them.
Thanks!
