[Roen]

So what you're saying is I should get a dac/amp combo for up to 100$?

Up to you, I think you'd be fine with a cheaper DAC too.

Just ask yourself how deep do you want to get into this hobby, do you want to experiment, are you comfortable making multiple purchases (and sales if you want to recoup some costs).

A lot of people just get a Dragonfly Red and call it a day, but that's a bit outside your price range.

Fiio K1 - TI PCM5102 Can play up to 24/96, no battery, 1.06V @ 32 ohms, 35 mW, $40
Fiio Q1 - TI PCM5102 Can play up to 24/96, battery, 2.47V @ 32 ohms, 190 mW, $70
Encore mDSD - ES9010K2M Can play up to 32/384, DSD256, no battery, 1.13V @ 32 ohms, 40 mW, $100
HiFimeDIY Sabre USB DAC - ES9023 Can play up to 24/96, no battery, 1V @ 32 ohms, 31.25 mW, $42
JDS C5D, TI PCM5102A, Can play up to 24/96, battery, 1.182V @ 32 ohms, 44 mW, $249

The JDS doesn't look like it provides great value for money, tbh.

 

[Shavit]

Up to you, I think you'd be fine with a cheaper DAC too.

Just ask yourself how deep do you want to get into this hobby, do you want to experiment, are you comfortable making multiple purchases (and sales if you want to recoup some costs).

A lot of people just get a Dragonfly Red and call it a day, but that's a bit outside your price range.

Fiio K1 - TI PCM5102 Can play up to 24/96, no battery, 1.06V @ 32 ohms, 35 mW, $40
Fiio Q1 - TI PCM5102 Can play up to 24/96, battery, 2.47V @ 32 ohms, 190 mW, $70
Encore mDSD - ES9010K2M Can play up to 32/384, DSD256, no battery, 1.13V @ 32 ohms, 40 mW, $100
HiFimeDIY Sabre USB DAC - ES9023 Can play up to 24/96, no battery, 1V @ 32 ohms, 31.25 mW, $42
JDS C5D, TI PCM5102A, Can play up to 24/96, battery, 1.182V @ 32 ohms, 44 mW, $249

The JDS doesn't look like it provides great value for money, tbh.

So it seems like the encore mdsd is the way to go. I mean, I am into getting my listening experience higher and improving on the quality and I am willing to invest my resources.

 

[Roen]

That depends.

Do you have 24/192 files? Can you tell the difference between 24/96 and 24/192? Do you even listen to DSD?

If not, the Q1 looks like a good choice as a starter DAC.

Some other choices:

https://stoneracoustics.com/ud125/

 

[Shavit]

That depends.

Do you have 24/192 files? Can you tell the difference between 24/96 and 24/192? Do you even listen to DSD?

If not, the Q1 looks like a good choice as a starter DAC.

Some other choices:

https://stoneracoustics.com/ud125/

Okay, I see. So to push start this hobby and to get to know what I'm messing with this is what I'll want. Getting to know my hearing better and see what I can remarkably say I can hear the differences between.
I'll make my choosing between the Q1 and the UD125.
Thanks!