Usb-dac?

sonosphere

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2009
Messages
734
Points
63
Location
Pune
Hi,
Is there a USB-based DAC product available?

.... (having hi-quality DAC chip). This product should preferably have Digital output + Analog stereo Output (suitable for RCA aux in of typical AVRs/Amps). The intended use is to play stereo music thru laptop/desktop CD/DVD drive. 5.1 channel output for movies is preferable but not necessary.

If yes, need to know make/model# & price. Link/URL will be further help.

Thanks,
 
actually there are too many "cottage" dacs available as diy kits. Most of them seem to have good reviews, though not sure who writes those reviews.
Some of them are
Shek h1 (usb dac + headphone amp - runs on battery) - good for carrying along with laptop.
Monica.
Mood lab Dice - has great review on tnt-audio.com

I am exploring more in lesser budget - say 5k (100$) + customs etc.
 
Hi,
Is there a USB-based DAC product available?

.... (having hi-quality DAC chip). This product should preferably have Digital output + Analog stereo Output (suitable for RCA aux in of typical AVRs/Amps). The intended use is to play stereo music thru laptop/desktop CD/DVD drive. 5.1 channel output for movies is preferable but not necessary.

If yes, need to know make/model# & price. Link/URL will be further help.

Thanks,


Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 USB


creative_sound_blaster_x_fi_news.jpg


M-Audio Transit

transit_callout.jpg
 
actually there are too many "cottage" dacs available as diy kits. Most of them seem to have good reviews, though not sure who writes those reviews.
Some of them are
Shek h1 (usb dac + headphone amp - runs on battery) - good for carrying along with laptop.
Monica.
Mood lab Dice - has great review on tnt-audio.com

I am exploring more in lesser budget - say 5k (100$) + customs etc.

dac named "BantamDAC " is what you will like 30$ whole kit include burr-brown Dac chip
i have posted here :
http://www.hifivision.com/home-theater-pc-htpc-media-pc/5665-music-pc-cd-player-4.html

Further instead of DAC u have a good AV receiver a 700Rs (incl shipping)SPDIF card at USB will be an option

PC------USB----->CARD ---SPDIF---->AVR

Loading with ASIO drivers we can create a cheap source,


additionally i think 5.1 pass thru will be possible for movies

get it here :
USB 6 Channel 5.1 External Audio Sound Card S/PDIF,177 - eBay (item 220380700045 end time Sep-15-09 05:52:20 PDT)
 
Hi,
Kaushik, thanks for reference!
Has anybody around this forum used this? >> Glass Jar Audio : Bantam DAC kit including board

Couldn't find reviews of it on web. Need to know how it would sound compared to DAC of an entry level AVR like Onkyo 5105.

Kaushik, if you get around to using this, please send PM/Private message to me.
Thanks in advance,
 
Hi,
Is there a USB-based DAC product available?

.... (having hi-quality DAC chip). This product should preferably have Digital output + Analog stereo Output (suitable for RCA aux in of typical AVRs/Amps). The intended use is to play stereo music thru laptop/desktop CD/DVD drive. 5.1 channel output for movies is preferable but not necessary.

If yes, need to know make/model# & price. Link/URL will be further help.

Thanks,

If the intended use is a PC (with a slot) then an Asus Xonar would be in order. It has an excellent DAC and also costs around 8K. If its only USB then Asus does have a SC with USB but I've not heard it. Similarly Creative too has one.
 
sent mail to some dealers for PCM 2702
i hope some lamington road shops will have this,

any one from mumbai can get the chip ?
other components i can arrange including PCBs.


One interesting link i got :
Google Translate


lists a hi-end DAC kit for ? 480 =
3,437.31 INR, seems very good price

Edit 1:
Jeff from glassjaraudio.com replied with a quote i am sharing here as XLS:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AghOMCf9fBAddEJrZHlRMUZuTnZYWDhpNmNoRkNpYkE&hl=en
full kit including shipping is approx 33$.


Please post here for a group buy if possible.

- i will help with soldering of parts as far as i can
-I have got PCM 2704 ,550/- each with moq 10 pcs, will not work out ..hmm
 
Last edited:
sent mail to some dealers for PCM 2702
i hope some lamington road shops will have this,

any one from mumbai can get the chip ?
other components i can arrange including PCBs.


One interesting link i got :
Google Translate


lists a hi-end DAC kit for ? 480 =
3,437.31 INR, seems very good price

Edit 1:
Jeff from glassjaraudio.com replied with a quote i am sharing here as XLS:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AghOMCf9fBAddEJrZHlRMUZuTnZYWDhpNmNoRkNpYkE&hl=en
full kit including shipping is approx 33$.


Please post here for a group buy if possible.

- i will help with soldering of parts as far as i can
-I have got PCM 2704 ,550/- each with moq 10 pcs, will not work out ..hmm

kaushik..
were u able to assemble the bantam?
i m looking for a VFM solution for a usb dac..
 
Try out the HRT Music streamer at $100. Got some good reviews. try googleing for High Resolution Technologies. I got one too but havent been able to try it out till date. Very compact does not need its power supply, runs off the USB and has only a pair of analog out.
 
Hi,
Is there a USB-based DAC product available?

.... (having hi-quality DAC chip). This product should preferably have Digital output + Analog stereo Output (suitable for RCA aux in of typical AVRs/Amps). The intended use is to play stereo music thru laptop/desktop CD/DVD drive. 5.1 channel output for movies is preferable but not necessary.

If yes, need to know make/model# & price. Link/URL will be further help.

Thanks,


Sono.

Just wanted to check with you whether have u got urself any DAC's if so which one and how is the performance as we both have similar AV sources so that will help me in drilling down on the options as i am keen on a DAC.
 
A beautiful, well-constructed speaker with class-leading soundstage, imaging and bass that is fast, deep, and precise.
Back
Top