Looking for small footprint integrated amp (will connect Chromecast audio to it) to power Onix Rocket RS450 speakers. They're 87db 8 ohm. Figure I need at least 50 watts per channel. I was looking at the Audioengine N22 but it doesn't look enough power. Want to spend under $500. Thanks...

What power bank are you using?

I think the developer said this: Voicemeeter is made to improve audio quality, first by using audio output device in exclusive mode (WASAPI = WDM) to bypass Windows Mixer, secondly by possibly adding EQ, Compression, Gate effects if the user need... This is true while all the audio chain works...

I thought it would pass it through but I don't really remember....It definitely bypasses Windows (I remember that!). You may want to reach out to the developer. He usually responds pretty quickly. Let me know what you find out.

Did you choose WASAPI in Foobar? If you did, then you are bypassing Windows audio mixer. However, Foobar might set the sample rate in the program - not sure about that. If Foobar is setting the bit depth then you will be in essence skipping Windows but get locked in by Foobar. I'm sure there...

Go to the Audirvana forums. There is a licensing forum. Just request an additional 30 day from one of the admins. They will give it to you. You may have to give them your external IP (that's why you can't use another email).

If you are running through Windows audio mixer (which it sounds like you are) then Windows will sample it to whatever setting you choose. It won't send it straight through. You'd have to bypass Windows audio mixer to get the actual sample rate. Depending on the software you are using you may...

Excellent summary. It's interesting that you recommend the Bifrost 2 as that's what the Schitt rep recommended also when I said I was considering the Bifrost and the Gungnir.

I don't use headphones. That's just the default. I should change it....

I'm not done yet! The Codex is better than the D70 (for me) but I still don't feel I can listen for a long time. I didn't have this problem with the MyDAC. Of course, my speakers could be part of the problem. Just ordered Ohm Walsh. May try a few more DACs before this is over.

Just got the Codex set up. So far, pretty happy! Very detailed but not quite as bright as the D70 (to me....). Definitely more bass. May need to tame that a bit by moving my speakers. The D70 did not have this low end. This is probably a keeper.

I ended up grabbing an Ayre Codex for $800 on eBay. Hopefully it was a good choice.....

How about a used Ayre Codex?

Thanks for the list. I will look at some of those. Isn't that Bryston over $2k?

So, it sounds like the Gungnir might be the better option for me? :):)

That RME looks pretty nice. I was about to pull the trigger on the Gungnir. How does it compare?

The Qutest looks good but it is too far north of what I'm ready to pay right now. Heard lots of good things about that one.

I have a sensitivity to highs (it sucks) and find really detailed DACs to be bright. I just bought a Topping D70 and it's pretty awesome. However, I'd like it to be a little warmer. I know I could probably tame it with an equalizer but I'm able to spend a little more than before so why not...

How does the D90 compare with the D70? I apologize if I missed this - I didn't read through all the pages.

I'm looking at the iFi iDac with iUSB power for $500 and the Micromega MyDac for $369.  There are a lot of good reviews for the MyDac as it has been around for a little while.  The iFi is pretty new but also has some good reviews.  Has anyone compared or have thoughts about these two?   Thanks!

Quote: That's a sound card, no? I am thinking external.

I decided to up the amount I'm willing to spend to $750.     Any other suggestions?

Yep. Just computer to stereo. Thanks for the the choices.  

I currently have a 1212M internal PCI card that connects directly to my stereo amp.  Unfortunately, it's dying.    I only listen to music and I'm willing to spend up to $300.  From what I've read an external DAC would probably be best.    Any suggestions?   Thank you!   EDIT...

Well, it's for a second home theater (this one in the bedroom) so I'm trying to keep costs down. Well, my wife is trying to keep costs down.