Need information regarding non-USB-powered DACs with optical input for les than $125

[leona]

Asking for a someone who just wants to connect some powered speakers to a TV. It doesn't have to have perfect performance, it just can not be totally lousy.

 

[dolynick]

Both SMLS and Topping offer some small entry-level DACs around the $100 mark that will have an optical input and unbalanced (RCA) outputs.

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-MQA-CD-Decoder-AK4493S-768kHz/dp/B0C1Y7C9HH/ref=sr_1_1_mod_primary_new?crid=18BLZSI9EULGA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TR2wsk8i5M38TpaRmR_JWYrwrauvIpiss9oc82HgKiEEYEvKSvD27g7q68s9tL31EF2jzfr8YdF0kBReXeluAZ3uEroo6d7RdVrQPAEBcBVpanz0QXIAOoKXAqE3Kh3ehKBHP_pFgRySBi4_zvOfWP8wQZW4HJ0dmOQdkZH_yTwQdXCJPVEWh1R9O5JIi0DWs9wzj2Dt-Uf5Ng1Ixglzw0H8o66P7RcrGZC1s1yHAy4.jUZUjJpANwlt4lRzUr1Qm2DpxhsyRqGd4VipFXNeo9o&dib_tag=se&keywords=smsl+dac&qid=1727186813&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=smsl+dac%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1

You'll need a USB power brick for the SMLS as it uses that input for power as well.

Here's a Topping for $150 (the cheaper ones with optical inputs seem to be combo headphone amps):

Amazon.com

This one comes with a remote and dedicated DC in with cable.

 

[dolynick]

There's also the Schiit Modi plus for $129 as well:

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas

www.schiit.com

Requires USB power as well.

 

[Kennethlane]

For a budget-friendly non-USB-powered DAC with optical input under $125, consider options like the FiiO D03K or the Prozor DAC. Both are compact, reliable, and easy to set up, allowing you to connect powered speakers to a TV via an optical input. While they won’t offer audiophile-level performance, they provide decent sound quality for everyday use without being totally lousy.