EXPIRED WTB: Low Priced DAC

[Southie Adam]

Item:  DAC
Price Range:  200 to 300
Item Condition:  Used
Extra Info:  Hi All, would like to try out a cheapish DAC.  My current all in one uses a CS4398 chip and was wondering if a low price used DAC would make an improvement.  Anyone have a second dac collecting dust?

 

 

 

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[vik74au]

for $200 you can get a brand new Topping E30 that uses the AK4493 chip

[Neo]

@Southie Adam
What is your current Dac brand. Naming the Dac chip in it, means very little. Very hard to recommend something meaningful as an alternative for you to consider without some more information.
Neo

Edited November 6, 2020 by Neo

[Southie Adam]

Sorry @Neo. I am using the DAC in my Quad Vena. 

[Neo]

All in one units like Quad Vena, despite the fact that they are excellent all in one units are built to a compromise. Otherwise its price would be considerably higher, while still not necessarily achieving the greatness of separates. Separate amplifier, Dac, preamplifier, phono, headphone amplifier, in case of your unit it’s all inclusive in one package.

So yes a dedicated Dac will give you the sound improvements in your case. There’s plenty of options in $200-300 price bracket secondhand, I would also look into expanding your budget. So it doesn’t become an upgrade merry go round. 
Neo

Edited November 6, 2020 by Neo

[Guest MAXXX]

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/ifi-zen-dac-headphone-amplifier-dac

 

Great DAC for the price...$199 and free shipping.

 

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by MAXXX

[zakblue]

22 hours ago, vik74au said:

for $200 you can get a brand new Topping E30 that uses the AK4493 chip

I will second this as a fantastic choice for DAC. A giant killer at this price.

[Steffen]

I’ve got a DAC collecting dust, it’s an Audio-GD NFB-2. You can have it for $100 if you like.