Looking for DAC around $300

[Fungi]

You forgot Pico.

 

[bleeble]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich /img/forum/go_quote.gif could you be any more backwards in approach? a DAC is a simple point-to-point device, a soundcard offers you many features beyond "oh hi, I can convert sum 16/48 to analog!" wtvr. I'm out

Well, sir, if there's a USB soundcard with sound quality that equals or exceeds that of a stand-alone DAC of the same price, accepts digital input from other sources (coax, optical, etc.) and doesn't require a computer to use, please point me in the right direction.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeble /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, sir, if there's a USB soundcard with sound quality that equals or exceeds that of a stand-alone DAC of the same price, accepts digital input from other sources (coax, optical, etc.) and doesn't require a computer to use, please point me in the right direction.

E-MU 0404 USB

M-Audio Firewire 410

M-Audio FastTrack Pro (should run standalone, only one I'm not 100% on)

and theres a ton of RME/Lynx/PreSonus/M-Audio/Digidesign/SSL/MOTU/Grace/Benchmark etc racks that will run you $1k or more and make most "audiophile" components look laughable

 

[bleeble]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich /img/forum/go_quote.gif E-MU 0404 USB M-Audio Firewire 410 M-Audio FastTrack Pro (should run standalone, only one I'm not 100% on) and theres a ton of RME/Lynx/PreSonus/M-Audio/Digidesign/SSL/MOTU/Grace/Benchmark etc racks that will run you $1k or more and make most "audiophile" components look laughable

These are comparable in SQ to the DACs mentioned previously? I ask because I have no experience with any of them... Keeping in mind, of course, that I'm looking for something around $300 (or less), not $1000.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeble /img/forum/go_quote.gif These are comparable in SQ to the DACs mentioned previously? I ask because I have no experience with any of them... Keeping in mind, of course, that I'm looking for something around $300 (or less), not $1000.

at around $300, I would consider the 0404 a good solution (its about half that price as well), yes

as far as "is there an objective comparison to look at the 0404 vs every other DAC on the planet?" no, thats what makes things ambiguous (there is no "right answer" or "best", just degrees of difference)

 

[sachu]

ESI Juli@... >> EMU 0404

had them both a month back or so.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachu /img/forum/go_quote.gif ESI Juli@... >> EMU 0404 had them both a month back or so.

yeah, I was thinking about the Juli@, but I've heard too many dissenting opinions on its analog output quality alongside the 0404 USB or other things in the price range, and the design is getting long in the tooth

now, as a digital source, or a modder's toy, the Juli@ is unbeatable for its price

 

[rds]

I have a very nice usb DAC that is not for sale and not in the for sale forum. It cost me about $300 to build.

it's the plain jane box my MiniMAX is sitting on.

It sounds fantastic. Truly a first class DAC, but it doesn't seem to get a lot of mention these days.

 

[obobskivich]

rds, does this DAC have a name?

very clean box/build

 

[rds]

Thanks

Forgot to mention it is the Opus DAC, available as a kit from glassjar audio. It uses Wolfson's top of the line WM8741 DAC chip.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Opus is a great dac if you can DIY.

MisterX builds the y1 Gamma. I am willing to bet it is as good as any dac under $300. Best part is that it costs less than $200, is portable if you need it to be, and was designed and built by the people who have made some of the best built, bang for your buck amps/dacs ever.