~$300 DAC + AMP for Rastapants 2 - Is it worth the upgrade vs. Bravura?

I've decided to sell my Bravura. I'm sick of it not being compatible with any *nix OS I've tried, so I'm thinking of buying a DAC + AMP.

I also bought the FOSTEX T-50 RP and the tools and materials to mod it to Rastapants II. They should arrive on Thursday.

I want a DAC and an amplifier for under $300. I will only use them to feed my Rastapants II, no speakers or anything else. USB or Coaxial, though I preffer USB (is there any difference between USB and Coaxial (Realtek on-board, P67 Extreme4 board).

I don't care if it's a DAC+AMP combo or a DAC and an AMP in different boxes. I'm able to build an AMP like the Milllet MAX from diyforums.com, but I don't think I'm able to build anything with SMD components, yet.

Thank you very much, Head-fiers :3

Come on guys, help me please :3

USB vs Coaxial?

I've read that coaxial is better. Is it still better than USB if I'll be using on-board coaxial port?

OK. I've just seen the Schiit amplifiers and the Schiit brand and, wow. I love that brand. I love how they speak to the people, the design of their devices and the 5-year warranty, so I think I'll grab a Schiit Asgard as amplifier for my Rastapants II. The only problem is that that renders my budget to just 50$ (maybe 100$ if it's worth it). What DAC (Coaxial or USB, I don't care) do you recommend me for the Asgard? 

The only problem with the HP-A3 is that it's 450$, and right now I only have 300-350$ available to spend in my hobby. And yes, I'm capable of building my own amp as long as it does not have any SMD components, since I've never done that and I preffer to practice with something else for SMDs, not to mention I don't have enough equipment to solder SMD properly. So, what DAC do you recommend me if I get the Objective 2? 

And what DAC would you recommend me if I decided to get the Schiit Asgard?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiteki 

 

Since you bought the Fostex T50RP, naturally I recommend you the Fostex HP-A3 DAC/Amp. ;)

 

 

Typing "DAC" into ebay will yield many pages of results, too.

 

If you are capable of DIY'ing your own Amp as you stated above, I think you should do that (such as the objective2) and spend you budget on the DAC section.

 

Just my imho.

Sorry for not answering, Windows decided it was time to stop working and I had to reinstall everything.

From a "possible Xmas upgrade" point of view, would you recommend me to build the Objective 2 and get a DAC, or get a better DAC and use a cMoy (anyway, I need/want a portable amplifier) until I get a better amp. Or save for that Audio-Technica one (link please, can't seem to find it)

An analog, smooth and musical sound, though I also like instrument separation, if that's what you mean.

Thank you for everything you're doing, kiteki. :3