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Best $50 USB DAC, amp not needed

post #1 of 7
11/6/12 at 3:00pm
Thread Starter 

I want to get a cheap DAC to connect between an iMac and powered external speakers. I wouldn't mind a DAC/amp combo but it would need to have a pass through feature. But ideally I just want a cheap USB DAC that is powered out of the computer with a mini out. I don't need something amazing, just an upgrade on the iMac onboard DAC.

 

Do the FiiOs have pass through? What other non-amp options are decent?

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post #2 of 7
11/6/12 at 3:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by redrich2000 View Post

I want to get a cheap DAC to connect between an iMac and powered external speakers. I wouldn't mind a DAC/amp combo but it would need to have a pass through feature. But ideally I just want a cheap USB DAC that is powered out of the computer with a mini out. I don't need something amazing, just an upgrade on the iMac onboard DAC.

 

Do the FiiOs have pass through? What other non-amp options are decent?

 

Behringer UCA-202 (or UCA-222) at ~US$25. It's a good performer at a very good price. I believe the electronics is the same in both.

 

Besides the analog, RCA line-level output jacks, it has a built-in amplifier. But the amp has a nominal 50-Ohm output impedance, so it may not be optimal for some (many?) low-impedance, dynamic headphones.

 

I have two, one of which will be retired on Friday.

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post #3 of 7
11/6/12 at 4:02pm

GrubDac - should run you ~$30

 

http://www.diyforums.org/GrubDAC/GrubDACoverview.php

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post #4 of 7
11/6/12 at 4:31pm
http://r.ebay.com/Ckw5IF

Just ordered one of these, a lot of people seem to enjoy it so far.

Sent from my ICS Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2
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post #5 of 7
11/6/12 at 6:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mosshorn View Post

http://r.ebay.com/Ckw5IF
Just ordered one of these, a lot of people seem to enjoy it so far.
Sent from my ICS Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2


Perfect, exactly what I was after, thanks. And under budget, that must be a first for Head-Fi!!

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post #6 of 7
11/6/12 at 6:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mosshorn View Post

http://r.ebay.com/Ckw5IF
Just ordered one of these, a lot of people seem to enjoy it so far.
Sent from my ICS Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2


does it automatically upsamples 16/44 files? thats what i read from the listing and that sounds not good to me... and if an amp is added to the headphone out... is it okay as well?


Edited by Dyaems - 11/6/12 at 6:28pm
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post #7 of 7
11/6/12 at 8:03pm

Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC, $52, come with the same receiver chip and DAC chip as the ODAC.

And has some positive reviews.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140847495065?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

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