[Fantasysage]

My current setup: X-Fi --> Line out --> Little Dot 1+ --> Grado 325si I am loving the sound, but I want to take that X-fi out of the loop and rock an external DAC. I would really like a unit that would take optical in (I do not want to use USB, there is no reason to), and does not have an inbuilt amp (again, no need). I would like it to do 24 bit and 96khz at least. So what are my options?
 
I know there is the little dot DAC_1, but I cannot find any reviews other than the small forum post on it.
 
If you absolutely positively must I can go a little high in the budget but I'd rather not at this time.

 

[falis]

Check out this guy.  I have its earlier model. Very nice sounding with USB, coax and optical inputs: http://cryo-parts.com/index.php/pop-pulse/1796-mkii-dac . I think it was a deal.
 
Some commentary on the first version:
 http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/436043/new-pop-pulse-1796-dac-usb-input
 
- Ed

 

[Fantasysage]

That is pretty much exactly what I am looking for. I will look into it, thanks!

 

 

[Mudokon]

I'm in the same boat as OP. I'm looking for a ~$300 DAC with digital coaxial input and analog RCA output. That Pop Pulse DAC mentioned looks promising, but I can't find too much other feedback on it. Are there any other well-regarded units available?

 

[Graphicism]

I would honestly just buy a Zero DAC/amp for around $100 and save up for a real upgrade.. all these cheap DACs use op-amps and when matched will sound practically identical to one another.

 

[ttan98]

Hi,
 
Try "Matrix Cube" from Coolfungadget from Ebay, I bought one unit it can up sample to 24bits and 192kbit/s. It sounds very good well worth the money, $300.
If you want to get better sound  then you have to increase your budget to like $400 from "Yulong 100 " or $800 from " Eastern Electric Minimax" both are very good sounding DAC for a price.
 
So a search you will find a detailed reviews of these units.

 

[debitsohn]

if you could stretch your budget to 365, you should contact misterx for a gamma2. ive heard a lot of good thigns about it. but it is a DIY that he does so it depends if that matters for u.

 

[Fantasysage]

Quote:

I would honestly just buy a Zero DAC/amp for around $100 and save up for a real upgrade.. all these cheap DACs use op-amps and when matched will sound practically identical to one another.

I already have a LD1+ no need for an amp.

 

[Fantasysage]

Looking at the Valab NOS on that they sell on ebay for 320. Looks mighty nice, just not too many impressions.

 

 

[Graphicism]

Quote:

I already have a LD1+ no need for an amp.

 
I used a Darkvoice 336i with the Zero, nothing wrong with that. I still use the Zero when I don't want to power the tube up for casual use such as movies and games. The Yulong D100 suggested above is the Zero with a fancy new body and LED screen. As I say all alternatives at this price will sound the same, you're shopping for this looks at this point.