[SYSTEM ALCHEMiST]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a good sound card or DAC with USB input under $150 and compatible with Vista x64. My current setup is on-board sound + M-Audio AV30 + Perreaux SXH-1 amp + HD650.

Since I already have an amp for my headphones and my speakers are powered, I guess a DAC here would be the logical option, please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm going to be using the DAC for outputting to my AV30s and headphone amp.

BTW I'm guessing DACs are for converting signals only, so I'm not gonna get any Dolby / EAX or any of those technologies like you can get from sound cards, right?

And finally, the most important one, it has to be Vista x64 compatible, I'm not planning on OS change for at least 3 more yrs.

Thanks!

 

[SYSTEM ALCHEMiST]

After doing more look around, seems like USB DACs does not require vista driver as they just considered as USB audio devices?

And Also, some of the chinese DACs seems sweet, like the Zhaolu D2.5A and Tianyun Zero 09', and judging from the reviews, seems like they're way better than most of the DACs at the same price range?

 

[SYSTEM ALCHEMiST]

88 views yet no replies? Hmmm...

 

[Justin Uthadude]

I bought a gamma1 dac from the for sale forum. I use it in the usb mode, but it also has optical and coax inputs (actually, there are usb only models, too). I love it. I run Vista x64, and it is plug and play. There are plenty of threads on it if you search on it.

 

[Crazy*Carl]

I been reading alot about the Zero DAC also. It does seem like a good value. It is also an amp - which you already have, so you might just look for a standalone DAC.

But its all hard to judge since you cant go anywhere regularly and test out any of this equipment. I wouldn't want to purchase one and find out it doesn't sound any different than onboard sound.

 

[SYSTEM ALCHEMiST]

Ok, problem solved. Purchase denied by the Mrs... Now I'm looking for an USB DAC priced at $0.00......

 

[Hatmann]

When you start looking again, check out Headroom's Total Bithead.

It has a DAC and does everything you want it to do.
You can use it for either a desktop or portable system -- or both.
And it won't bust your wallet, at $159.

Cheers,

 

[SYSTEM ALCHEMiST]

How does the Bithead compare to Tianyun Zero? They seem to be in the same price range.

 

[Hatmann]

Not familiar with it.

 

[Graphicism]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SYSTEM ALCHEMiST /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ok, problem solved. Purchase denied by the Mrs... Now I'm looking for an USB DAC priced at $0.00......

Pfft! Just buy it, Zero DAC is one of the best purchases I've made, makes a huge difference.

 

[wiisus]

I just received the Bithead yesterday. I bought it off the FS forums $90 shipped. Totally worth it. I haven't been able to buy batteries for it, so I've just been using it in USB mode, which is awesome. But it's suppose to be even better with new batteries.

 

[Crazy*Carl]

Is there anyway to power the bithead with an AC adapter, or do you have to use batteries?

 

[Justin Uthadude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy*Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is there anyway to power the bithead with an AC adapter, or do you have to use batteries?

It takes power from the usb port or batteries.

 

[Aiml3ss]

Musiland SVDAC06 is $120 shipped on Ebay.

I love mine.

 

[tosehee]

get Essence or Claro Halo. They are pretty hard to beat for its price.