[doooglasss]

I'm new to this form and I hate to be the uniformed newbie that didn't read many threads but I guess I'm that guy!
 
I'm looking for a DAC or small sound board with the below features:
 
1. Affordable (I know this is a relative term, but this is one of many expensive hobbies for me so under $2-300 would be nice)
2. XLR outputs or balanced 1/4" jack
3. Two inputs
3A. One input type must be Toslink/Optical or USB (and compatible with a Mac)
3B. Second input can be RCA
4. Headphone output (preferably on the front)
5. Volume control
 
 
Essentially I have some entry level equipment I would like to tie together with a quality DAC or small sound board. I currently use my iMac with a 1/8th mini jack to XLR conversion cable and a ground loop isolator to get rid of the miserable electrical noise that comes from my current apartment.
 
 
Hardware details:
 
iMac is a 27" 2010 model. Standard onboard sound, modified everything else. (EMC 2390 for fellow Apple nerds)
-OSX El Capitan (Latest as of Sept. 2015)
-Has 1/8th headphone jack output
-Has Toslink / digital output
-Has USB 2.0 plugs
 
Alesis 620 M1 Active powered studio monitors
 
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones
 
Old Technics record player I'm restoring in the garage. Will need to get model number. I'm sure it's nothing special, just some 80's turntable my parents had in the attic.

 

[PurpleAngel]

How are you able to connect the iMac's un-balanced (1/8" jack) connection output to the Alexis's balanced (XLR) input?
 
Does the DAC have to have a balanced output?
As the Alexis 620 M1 will accept an un-balanced input.
 
An Audio Interface is more likely to offer a balanced output, with in your price range.

 

[doooglasss]

Currently I am using a 1/8th jack to XLR cable. I think I spent $10 on it from Amazon. So I guess the Alesis monitors are currently working with an unbalanced signal, however, I would like them to be installed correctly with a balanced signal.

It's my understanding a balanced cable provides additional shielding.

 

[doooglasss]

My price range is a little flexible but the DAC's I've come across that meet my requirements are in the 5-600 range and I'm not willing to spend that much. I'm also open to buying used hardware.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Currently I am using a 1/8th jack to XLR cable. I think I spent $10 on it from Amazon. So I guess the Alexis monitors are currently working with an unbalanced signal, however, I would like them to be installed correctly with a balanced signal.

It's my understanding a balanced cable provides additional shielding.

 
Balanced connection helps feed a good signal over long distance (well over 6ft?), but should not really make a noticeable difference over a shorter distance.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Currently I am using a 1/8th jack to XLR cable. I think I spent $10 on it from Amazon. So I guess the Alexis monitors are currently working with an unbalanced signal, however, I would like them to be installed correctly with a balanced signal.
It's my understanding a balanced cable provides additional shielding.

 
Un-balanced is one signal channel, balanced is two matching signal channels.
So if the one signal channel coming out of the iMac is split to two signals, to feed into the dual channel signal input on each XLR connection on the studio monitor, the monitor is not getting a good over all signal, for a balanced connection.
Or the 3.5mm to XLR cable is not spliting the audio signal and is only feeding one of the channels of the XLR input on the monitors (which I guess works?).

 

[doooglasss]

So it sounds like whatever DAC / sound board I go with should have balanced outputs.
 
If these monitors sound any better I'm going to have to replace all my other audio setups just to keep up!