[Brandon7s]

Title pretty much states all. Got an EMU1820 audio interface that I'm using as a DAC, but I'm really not sure how good it sounds because I've never tried any other DAC. I'm curious if a dedicated DAC would be an improvement, especially since the point of owning a EMU1820 is for its ADC, not its DAC; so I'm looking to try a DAC for under 200USD, though I could stretch to 300 if necessary.

 

[compuryan]

Little Dot Dac 1 might be a good option.

 

[obobskivich]

The 1820's measurements are absolutely "best of the best" going in either direction; not that it will be any more or less audibly transparent than any other quality device. I'd probably pass on buying an outboard unit unless you have some major coin to spend; at $200 you're probably jumping off a cliff spec-wise. 
 
http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/creative-emu-1820/index.html (1820 measurements)
 

 

[Brandon7s]

Good article, oboboskivich. Thanks for the heads up; looks like I got lucky when I bought my EMU1820 for home recording, and got something good for playing music as well. I guess I'll pass on upgrading my DAC until there is a good reason to do so, which I don't see happening anytime soon.