dereko Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Hi all I have a stereo amp connected to a Win 10 PC and wish to improve HiFi quality. Can I use an amplified USB DAC an connect to the two RCA outputs ? If so any recommendations? Or is there a DAC without a built in amp as I do not need it. Thanks Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_mac Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Most USB DACs do not have powered or amplified outputs - they are DACs only, although sometimes with headphone amps. Importantly... what is your price range? USB DACs range from $50 to several thousands of dollars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereko Posted January 8, 2017 Author Share Posted January 8, 2017 thanks pete Imlooking between $100 to $200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_mac Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 A few affordable options that spring to mind: Audioquest Dragonfly Schiit Modi and Schiit Fulla Hifimediy ES90182KM USB DAC http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs/Sabre-9018-DAC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereko Posted January 8, 2017 Author Share Posted January 8, 2017 thank you ill check them out Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete_mac Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 Both the Dragonfly and Hifimediy DACs don't have typical RCA outputs - you'd need to run a 3.5mm to 2 x RCA cable to your amp. No biggy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereko Posted January 8, 2017 Author Share Posted January 8, 2017 Yeah I think even I can manage that Thanks Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakey72 Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 This is a very good option https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/digital/products/schiit-audio-modi-2-usb-asynchronous-dac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereko Posted January 10, 2017 Author Share Posted January 10, 2017 Thanks blakey72 I had a look at the link and the Schiit does look very good. I now know what to look for as I was looking at gamer cards etc before I joined this forum Regards Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terence Hill Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 My first DAC was a Topping D2, cheap and had all the connections that I needed. 16bit @ 48khz on USB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereko Posted January 12, 2017 Author Share Posted January 12, 2017 Thanks TEZZA I will check this one out too. By the way,how did it perform? Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terence Hill Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 (edited) I still have it as a backup and believe it to be great for the money, I'd probably lean towards the D30 now as it does DSD. http://www.tpdz.net/en/products/d30/index.htm A good read: http://www.head-fi.org/t/821559/topping-d30-dsd-dac-xmos-cs4398 Edited January 12, 2017 by TEZZA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcclane Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 Can also consider Fostex. They have a small compact dac with a very nice volume knob - PC-100usb-hr2 shoukd be within your Budget. http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/PC-100USB-HR2.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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