[rainydayweek]

I don't have any DAC and.. I guess I need one!!

 

[alex50]

The Schiit Modi 3 is often recommended. As are the Topping models. I like the D50s which includes a nice remote, as well as an excellent Bluetooth 5 implementation.

 

[blacklava]

I own a schiit modi multibit, great value for the money. It should be slightly more 'analog' sounding and less clinical than the modi 3, but haven't tried myself.

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Topping D50S its on your budget and brand new.

 

[Guidostrunk]

Airist R2R can be had for about $275 on the used market here on the forums. Pretty much smokes the mimby/eitr combo in every aspect.

All subjective though.

Cheers

 

[rainydayweek]

thanks all! What if I go up to $450 used?

 

[alex50]

I would consider moving up the Topping line, a D70 or even a D90. For me, the next step up from the D50s was the RME ADI-2. However, the extra features the unit offers (Parametric Equalizer, etc.) was the driver behind the purchase. They seem to go for around $700 used so it is a bit outside your target range. I only mention it as I found myself taking multiple incremental steps in this process that I probably could have avoided. I realize that may be the part that many people enjoy!

 

[rainydayweek]

It's not that i like incremental steps, it's that $700 is more than i can spend now . D70 or D90 sounds really good, thanks!

 

[pichu]

It's not that i like incremental steps, it's that $700 is more than i can spend now . D70 or D90 sounds really good, thanks!

I second the Topping D90. You're going to fall into two camps when it comes to DACs. the objectivists and the subjectivists. Find a DAC in your price range. See if it measures well. Then look for features. XLR / RCA output? USB / AES / I2s input? What sample rate do you need, etc. Under $450, all I can recc is Topping D90, SMSL SU8 v2. Youll also learn that different DAC chips have different sound signatures. With the main ones being ESS and AKM DAC chips. These are simply the names of the companies that design and manufacture the DAC processing chip in the DAC. The brains if you will. Then the circuit design and quality of parts used to build around the chip can have an effect on your overall satisfaction with features and build quality.

I feel DACs make the least of a difference in sound with Headphones and amps changing the sound much more.

Youll be happy with either the Topping or SMSL offerings.

Cheers,

Jonathan

 

[tesarpa]

My tip is Khadas Tone Board. Excelent sound, however just two inputs, no remote, no buttons, no case... But a dream sound for about $ 100.

 

[ankuse]

Chord Mojo is great and is often available on the amplifcation or source component for sale forums for around $300. It serves as a DAC and AMP.

 

[rainydayweek]

Thanks to all who answered, I bought the Airist R-2R dac from forums here on head-fi, I will get it soon! Very exciting.

A follow up question - I will now have this chain laptop -> usb cable -> Airist R-2R -> ZDT jr. -> HD600. Everything stock except GE tubes on ZDT. I don't have any other good headphones at the moment. Is there anything obvious I should improve here? Like coax connection into Airist? Some modding or trying other tubes? Just find and listen to more good music now?

 

[tesarpa]

Thanks to all who answered, I bought the Airist R-2R dac from forums here on head-fi, I will get it soon! Very exciting.

A follow up question - I will now have this chain laptop -> usb cable -> Airist R-2R -> ZDT jr. -> HD600. Everything stock except GE tubes on ZDT. I don't have any other good headphones at the moment. Is there anything obvious I should improve here? Like coax connection into Airist? Some modding or trying other tubes? Just find and listen to more good music now?

May be just my deviation, but I don't believe USB audio can be implemented well on cheap products. So, I'd try Schiit Eitr or similar USB->SPDIF converter. But first listen your new setup for long, long hours, to get used to it's sound, before changing anything.

 

[rainydayweek]

@tesarpa Since you recommended Khadas tone board before (which recommendation I somehow missed/forgot), do you think it sounds better, or about the same, than Airist R2R?

 

[tesarpa]

Sorry, but I don't know. I haven't heard Airist. I owned older R2R DAC from Audio GD (DAC-19), based on PCM1704 chip and it had quite pleasing warmer, darker tonality, but lacked air, details and mainly had muddy bass, which was the reason to look for something else for me.