[Steveuknow]

Hello, noob here. Are there any suggestions on running a DAC under $300?


I currently run on M1060's with a Soundblaster Zx soundcard, could probably use an upgrade.

 

[jcn3]

@Steveuknow -- kind of tough -- a lot of choices -- there are a lot of threads you can read to decide the best option for you.

arguably, many would consider the schiit modi multibit one of the best deals out there:

https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/happy-as-a-pig-in-schiit-introducing-modi-multibit.815368/

 

[cocolinho]

Modi Multibit

 

[wwmhf]

It hard to beat M8A with which I can upsample my CD wave files to DSD256/DOP, sounds very good powered with a nowadays standard portable lithium battery pack.

 

[TYATYA]

It hard to beat M8A with which I can upsample my CD wave files to DSD256/DOP, sounds very good powered with a nowadays standard portable lithium battery pack.

I agree PCM to DSD is a good way for dsd dac. To do that, on Android device there is HF Player (Onkyo) which I used in past.
That is not only upscale but change the method a dac working. Can confirm effective by comparing on a dsd dac when feeding pcm and dsd(converted stream)

 

[wwmhf]

Upsampling CD wave files by these recent DACs has brought new vitality into my CD collection. In fact, I restarted buying CDs because of these DACs.

 

[Oscar-HiFi]

JDS Labs EL DAC gets my vote: https://www.jdslabs.com/products/174/el-dac/

It's awesome

 

[IlluminatiTri]

Modi Multibit is probably the best. I've had the Bifrost Multibit (which is the same sound as the Modi, just upgradeable) and it's very detailed, fun to listen to.

 

[Music Alchemist]

For this price range, I agree with many of the others: the Modi Multibit outperforms plenty of more expensive DACs.

 

[cheungtsw]

My vote to iFi iOne or one of their DACs with headphone amp