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DAC with Optical in for < $100

post #1 of 9
11/12/11 at 11:25am
Thread Starter 

Ok, I searched and all of the threads I found were pretty old, so don't bite if I missed one.

 

I want to set up Apple TVs in all my rooms, both with and without TVs so I can share audio everywhere.  Apple TV only has HDMI and optical out, so I need to be able to convert to analog for some rooms (vintage receiver, table top radio, etc.)  Are there good quality DACs under $100, or should I just get a bunch of Fiio D3's and upgrade piecemeal later?

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post #2 of 9
11/14/11 at 3:53pm
Thread Starter 

Guess too many noobs ask this question.

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post #3 of 9
11/15/11 at 8:14am
You're not alone. I'm looking for one too, and didn't feel like spending hours sifting through years-old threads with thousands of replies. Maybe someone will eventually respond to our threads, or a hero will make a list of these with features and prices listed on a grid to be stickied. Maybe a Google doc with some filters? A guy can dream...
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post #4 of 9
11/15/11 at 8:38am

If you are using a PC, I recommend Creative's Sound Blaster HD premium USB, it is selling on Amazon for 85.99. 

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post #5 of 9
11/15/11 at 8:42am
Thread Starter 

No, I need optical in, not USB in - that's the problem.  Seems to be a huge gap between the very cheap - Gefen and D3, then the next price point seems to be $199 for the Maverick.

 

EDIT: Is this the one?

 

http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFi-HD-Sound/M/B004275EO4.htm

 

The reviews on creative.com seem to imply it can be used standalone.


Edited by AirForceTeacher - 11/15/11 at 8:47am
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post #6 of 9
11/16/11 at 7:07am

I don't think it is a stand alone device but I can't be sure. I cannot really recommend the D3 but you should still give it a shot over the Gefen since FiiO products typically give you great price/performance ratios. 

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post #7 of 9
11/16/11 at 7:25am
Thread Starter 

Thanks - it sure looks like optical DACs are either $50 and under or $200 and up.  I might just get a Maverick to try it out in my office since it has so many other features.

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post #8 of 9
11/16/11 at 7:28am

Technolink makes a fairly well regarded model for $100 (TC-7510 - also sold under the Beresford name). Better than the FiiO to be sure. I use this as a basic DAC for coax/optical usage at home - very transparent.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Technolink-Input-Toslink-Converter-Built/dp/B003URAZSC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3RCB11XF71NWC&colid=3LKO9LY0GTNLD


Edited by liamstrain - 11/16/11 at 7:30am
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post #9 of 9
11/16/11 at 8:49am
Thread Starter 

Thanks - that looks pretty good.

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