USB DAC for under $500

[manaox2]

Any recommendations on a good USB DAC? I don't have a coaxial or optical output on my laptop.

Thanks

 

[NC1111]

I'm using the Headroom Micro DAC in lieu of internal onboard sound. I perceive a bolder, richer presentation that sounds more dynamic. I think streaming internet audio is improved. I'm starting to experiment with different DACs. The For/Sale or Trade thread might be helpful.

 

[souperman]

the MDHT Constantine Plus is a good one.

 

[manaox2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by souperman /img/forum/go_quote.gif the MDHT Constantine Plus is a good one.

Good recommendation, thanks. Its very unknown too, but I've read up on the Paradisea and I have no doubt that its good. A tube DAC huh... Would have though solid state would be cheaper, but thats a fair price.

 

[grawk]

I can whole heartedly recommend the headamp pico for $499. It's amazing.

 

[manaox2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can whole heartedly recommend the headamp pico for $499. It's amazing.

I know... I wanted it. The pico is so amazing by upsampling and not going to S/PDIF first. It even cleans up its own power, it really is a marvel. Sadly, what I really need isn't a DAC/AMP combo, I really would prefer a pure DAC/preamp with RCA output. Right now it looks like the DAC will someday go out to the Gilmore Lite, also made by headamp. Its really too bad that the two aren't very compatible.

Right now, I have only one option? I may just need to transfer the music and use my iMod as the DAC portion and source.

USB DAC really isn't popular I suppose. I don't see very many laptops with S/PDIF out though...

UPDATE: Oh man, there is a Dialogue II and Paradisea USB DAC also! mhdtlab/ParadiseaUSB - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

[kamal007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by grawk /img/forum/go_quote.gif I can whole heartedly recommend the headamp pico for $499. It's amazing.

for home use?
will it beat a nice external $200 sub DAC + a $300 amp

 

[manaox2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif for home use? will it beat a nice external $200 sub DAC + a $300 amp

The amp portion shouldn't. Justin's good, but I don't think he could dare say that his Gilmore Lite plus $200 DAC wouldn't beat the Pico.

I think I'm beginning to see why they call the Benchmark DAC1 USB such a good deal...

 

[manaox2]

I found something interesting... Great looking USB DACs on the cheap at eBay.

eBay Seller: zycamaniac: Home Audio, Consumer Electronics items on eBay.com

 

[Nirmalanow]

Another route is the Trends UD10 feeding a Monica DAC from DIY. DIY has a USB monica DAC but I found it suffers from noise coming in through the USB which the Trends effectively isolates especially when using the optional battery pack.

Trends Audio - Home Page

DIY Paradise


I also use a Burson audio buffer which optimizes the Monica DAC. The complete combo is over $500 but sounds great.

Burson Audio Buffer

 

[tjumper78]

i placed an order for SUPER Pro DAC 707 USB last week.

 

[manaox2]

I'm sorry to say this guys, but this search has actually been depressing. There is no right choice for me right now in the budget, so I think I'll just use the iMod as my source a bit longer. I wish I had the money for a great DAC, but these things are much more expensive then a computer to get the value.

I was too late to cash in on the digital generation, and still too young to afford the benefits.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjumper78 /img/forum/go_quote.gif i placed an order for SUPER Pro DAC 707 USB last week.

Just want to say, that looks really great, please give an update on how it sounds sometime if you can.

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

I'm not sure if you have already considered the EMU 0404, but I think thats a great buy at <200$. Well within your budget and you shouldnt have any trouble selling it if you dont like it.

 

[tjumper78]

will do.
the sound coming out of my laptop was really horrible. i am not expecting a miracle, i just want sound that's somewhat improved.
from what i've read/heard, this purple gadget really does convert digital sound to analog in impressive manner. we'll see =)

Quote:

Originally Posted by manaox2 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm sorry to say this guys, but this search has actually been depressing. There is no right choice for me right now in the budget, so I think I'll just use the iMod as my source a bit longer. I wish I had the money for a great DAC, but these things are much more expensive then a computer to get the value. I was too late to cash in on the digital generation, and still too young to afford the benefits. Just want to say, that looks really great, please give an update on how it sounds sometime if you can.

 

[noddyisking]

I was about to start a thread on more or less the same subject when I found this one earlier today. Just like manaox2 I am interested in a DAC and my target price is under $400 - hoping to pick up something second hand if possible. I have a listening set up at a desk with an iMac at the centre, wall mounted Mordaunt Short 902i's to either side and a Hifi rack with a Dunlop Systemdek II Turntable, Marantz CD63 MkII Ki Signature and Nad C340 Amp. Last week I bought Senn HD650's and a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 Amp. The sources for most of what I will listen to on the headphones will be the CD player and the turntable, but I have a lot of music on the Mac that I only have on MP3/Flac/Apple Lossless. A lot of what i listen to through the speakers comes from the Mac. Currently I have an Edirol UA-1Ex taking a USB feed from the Mac and connecting into the Nad amp over phono leads. I believe the Senn/X-Can combo will expose the limitations of the DAC capability of this unit and want to upgrade. All advise welcome.