DAC again

[j_garcia]

Looking for a simple, decent sounding method to get sound to the systems from a laptop. I tried a simple USB to analog/SPDIF and it sounded awful so I am returning it. I am looking at the Audioengine D1, but would rather not spend $169, even if it is a good unit. Recommendations? Other options that someone is using that works well already? External sound card?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Behringer UCA202 - not true Hi-Def, but works fine and it's dirt cheap
on the other side there is emotiva xda-1 now on liquidation sale for $199, but it has small issue with volume control affecting sq

 

[j_garcia]

Yeah, the UCA202 was another that came up while I was looking, but had somewhat mixed reviews. The D1 has a lot of good reviews, but is pricey for what I want to do and has the headphone amp function also that I don't need.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Yeah, the UCA202 was another that came up while I was looking, but had somewhat mixed reviews. The D1 has a lot of good reviews, but is pricey for what I want to do and has the headphone amp function also that I don't need.

I own one, but first one I got was bad and I exchanged it - the second unit works great... The quality is really good - tested with Sony MDR SA5000 and Fostex T50's

Well, 202 can serve as very good headphone amp with limit to 30-50 Ohm phones... If you need anything more robust checkout Fiio E7 or E10

Fiio E7 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier E7 B&H Photo Video

Amazon.com: FiiO E10 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier: Electronics

to be honest - I didn't check the difference b'ween them, but you are smart guy

 

[jinjuku]

TASCAM US 122MKII

I use the 144 variant for my measurement rig and it is solid and in your budget.

 

[adk highlander]

I have both the HRT Music Streamer and the Emotiva XDA-1. I would recommend either one especially the music streamer if you can find a used on for 100 bucks or less. Both are limited to 16/48 so if you are looking for higher bit rates neither will be the one for you.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I have both the HRT Music Streamer and the Emotiva XDA-1. I would recommend either one especially the music streamer if you can find a used on for 100 bucks or less. Both are limited to 16/48 so if you are looking for higher bit rates neither will be the one for you.

Small correction: XDA-1 is limited to 16/48 on usb, but can do 24/194 on spdif input

p.s: Fiio E10 does 24/96 on usb (according to specs)

 

[adk highlander]

Ha. Thanks for catching that. In my mind I typed "with the USB input" but I guess it did not make it to my fingers.

 

[j_garcia]

I had looked at the XDA-1 because I like the fact that it can do 24/192, but I am kind of looking for something a bit more portable since my two main systems are at different houses I am still considering it though.

Went ahead and ordered a UCA202 to try out.

 

[cpp]

The USB USB input is adaptive mode goes to 16 bits/48 KHz. But $200 it's a steal if you don't need above 24bit/48kHz for usb or just add a few dollars
Schiit's BiFrost, Arcam's rDAC

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Looking for a simple, decent sounding method to get sound to the systems from a laptop. I tried a simple USB to analog/SPDIF and it sounded awful so I am returning it. I am looking at the Audioengine D1, but would rather not spend $169, even if it is a good unit. Recommendations? Other options that someone is using that works well already? External sound card?

Which USB one did you try? I looking to do the same thing.

 

[j_garcia]

Which USB one did you try? I looking to do the same thing.

It was one of the Turtle Beach ones for $24. I couldn't get it to work with two machines, one with Vista Business and the other with 7 Pro. Tried two optical cables, different inputs on the receiver, different USB ports, etc... No go. It worked via the 3.5mm out, so headphones or analog adapter, but the SQ was very poor.

Just got the UCA202. Plugged in and works like a champ; same input, same cable used with the other one. Sound quality is surprisingly good. Listening to it right now and for the price, I'm very pleased.

 

[bikemig]

Looking for a simple, decent sounding method to get sound to the systems from a laptop. I tried a simple USB to analog/SPDIF and it sounded awful so I am returning it. I am looking at the Audioengine D1, but would rather not spend $169, even if it is a good unit. Recommendations? Other options that someone is using that works well already? External sound card?

I'd spend the money on the audioengine D1; there is a 30 day money back guarantee and I've been happy with the quality of their products. The emotiva dac is very attractive as well particularly given its price. I really like the HRT music streamer which runs $150. I'd check out Fiio products since they're well regarded and many come in at less than $100 like the Fiio E10 usb dac. I can't keep all their products straight though since there are so many.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd spend the money on the audioengine D1; there is a 30 day money back guarantee and I've been happy with the quality of their products. The emotiva dac is very attractive as well particularly given its price. I really like the HRT music streamer which runs $150. I'd check out Fiio products since they're well regarded and many come in at less than $100 like the Fiio E10 usb dac. I can't keep all their products straight though since there are so many.

Already bought and am using the UCA202. For $33, it definitely does what I needed it to. At some point down the road I may pop for something like the D1, but for now, this will do.