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Originally Posted by SillyHoney /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Oops! Sorry! I forgot to add I use computer and I prefer USB DAC
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If you just need USB and want it to work off a laptop without needing to plug in, in the specified price range of $200-400, from cheapest to most expensive you could consider the iBasso D4, Pico DAC-only, or CEntrance DACport. The DACport is a 24/96 USB DAC/amp but it works very well as a DAC/preamp to feed a Stax amp (at least feeding an eXStatA driving SR-Lambda, HE60 and Jade).
The D4 is very slightly brighter with less output level than the Pico DAC when using line out, but it's fairly balanced and very detailed and spacious. It has slightly less depth of stage vs the Pico, and slightly less refinement, so I tend to use the Pico more when all I need is a DAC. But for $219 the D4 is a very good deal, as it includes a nice headphone amp that runs off 9v battery or off the 5v USB without battery. But the Pico DAC "feels" a little more like I'm listening to a desktop DAC.
The DACport is slightly more refined (or smooth sounding) and warmer than the Pico DAC-only, with slightly more forward sound yet just as detailed and spacious. It's a very good portable DAC/amp for driving just about any IEM I have tried, and a few full size phones are still driven decently. If you think the Lambda are bright, this may be the DAC to use. It's not dull, and still has a shimmer in the highs, but it's not brittle or bright or sibilant, ever. However, I am told the SR-202 are not bright like other Lambdas.
I am sure there are many other good DACs in that price range that I haven't heard. If you later wanted optical or coax input, the iBasso D10 or Headroom Micro DAC would be good ones to consider.