Best budget DAC? (~$100)

[Azure]

I've always been curious about the optical out port on my PS2 (Maybe I'll get better results then using the standard RCA out?) and I recently found out that I need a DAC in order to use it. I originally thought of getting an AMP/DAC combo unit, but I doubt that's a possiblity for the the amps I'm interested in. So, what is the best budget DAC that'll still deliver good SQ? I'm basically just trying to use the optical out on my PS2 to get better sound quality without breaking the bank as I don't know if there'll be much of a SQ change. My budget ends at ~$100 (Keyword: ENDS; I'd prefer to spend less than $100). Thanks in advance.

 

[akwok]

Someone has an ART DI/O for sale for $90 in the for sale forums! GET IT QUICK.

 

[Azure]

Hmm...I don't know...it looks a little too complex. Input Gain Settings? Tube Warmth? Sample Rate? I don't even have a tube amp; I just want a simple DAC that'll allow me to try out my PS2's optical out without going overboard (This DAC seems to be for people who are really into this kind of thing and need a heavy duty DAC to get the most out of their source).

 

[akwok]

$90 for a DAC like that is amazing.

 

[Azure]

But I don't know how to use it and will probably mess something up! I know it comes with a manual and everything, but that's too many variables to have to mess around with; I'd prefer everything to be set already and I just have to plug stuff in.

 

[toor]

I will second the reccomendation of ART DI/O, but if you are absolutely intent on not getting it, then audio alchemy DACs can usually be found in your price range on EBAY. AFAIK they were actually designed by the same guy who owns Channel Islands Audio.

 

[philodox]

Get the ART DI/O, it is not complicated. All of the 'dials' and tube stuff only affects the analog to digital conversion anyways and if you are just using it for the digital to analog conversion you wont need these. Make sure there are some adapters or custom cables included though so that you can connect it to your amp. Also make sure that your transport has coaxial output for digital... if it only has optical you will need to change your transport or buy a converter.

 

[TooNice]

Can someone explain what a DAC does?

This is getting complicated. I've only done the Source -> Phones in the past.
I'll probably get to try the Source -> Amp -> Phones setup in the near future.
Where does the DAC fit in all this?

 

[philodox]

A CD player includes a transport and a DAC. A common way to upgrade a CD player is to purchase a seperate DAC to perform the digital to analog conversion. The transport is simply the part of the CD that reads the data and outputs a digital signal [although there are things like the power supply and the clock that make some transports better than others].

 

[lan]

Two things

1 - The di/o doesn't have optical input. You'd need a convertor which adds cost.

2 - Is the the output of PS2 in PCM?

 

[philodox]

If you are using a PS2 as the transport you might be better off investing in a cheap DVD player that has a coaxial out instead of bothering with a converter.

 

[TooNice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox A CD player includes a transport and a DAC. A common way to upgrade a CD player is to purchase a seperate DAC to perform the digital to analog conversion. The transport is simply the part of the CD that reads the data and outputs a digital signal [although there are things like the power supply and the clock that make some transports better than others].

Is this also applicable for portable DAP? Is there a benefit of a DAC in this case?

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TooNice Is this also applicable for portable DAP? Is there a benefit of a DAC in this case?

Only if your DAP has an optical or coaxial out. So basically just the old iRiver or Archos DAP's. [and possibly the Neuros III that is being released in the first quarter of 2006]

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox If you are using a PS2 as the transport you might be better off investing in a cheap DVD player that has a coaxial out instead of bothering with a converter.

I'm using the PS2 to play PS2 games, so a DVD player isn't an option. So, what DAC out there actually have optical in/would a good converted for the ART DI/O cost a lot (How much are we talking?)?

 

[philodox]

You can get some fairly cheap convertors, but I'm not sure about their quality.

Here is an example... do a google search and I'm sure you can find some more options.

Also, as Lan pointed out, you will want to double check that the optical digital output of the PS2 is in PCM.