I'm hoping some of our audiophiles here can recommend a good USB powerable DAC. I want to use this with an MC414 Airport Express. I've looked at the Cambridge DACMagic 100, but it's a 12v 2A unit which is far too thirsty for my application. I also looked at the Audioengine D1 which is USB powered and has gotten fairly good reviews, including some when used with an AE. Does anyone use a USB powered DAC at the moment, and if so, which one would you recommend?
First and foremost I must say that I am in no way an "audiophile". With all of the negative connotations that brings. I don't cryo-treat power cables, place special stones on top of my fridge or hold parties to test whether one speaker cable is better than another. I do appreciate good music, and do appreciate how a well considered hifi setup can make good music sound even better. My insurance company would be in to me for five figures if someone was to break in to my house and steal everything related to delivering good music to my ears, and in that way I could be considered a hi-fi enthusiast, but an "audiophile" I am not. Anyway... I use an Arcam pPac (plumbed to Tannoy Reveal Active monitors) in my office and have found it most excellent, especially for the money, bettering a Beresford 7510 and an Audiolab MDAC to my ears. Do note that there's another thread on this very forum linking to an article that argues the point that an external DAC is nonsense at the same time, so take my input with a pinch of salt. EDIT: And now you may entirely disregard my comments, and I see you want a USB powered DAC, but not an actual USB DAC. Nothing to see here.
USB Powered DAC Recommendations? Haha, yes it should preferably be USB power-able like the Audioengine one I mentioned. I have access to 5v and 12v DC to power it which might widen the possibilities? The 2A of the Cambridge is pretty high though, I don't think I could run that. I should do some testing to discover how high a load I can actually run on the power source, but a 5v DAC would be ideal.
It certainly seems possible. Do you need one with an amplifier? If not, FiiO do a budget option, the D03K: http://www.fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?MenuID=105026003
Well, at only £30 the D03K is certainly worth a try before I drop £160 on an Audioengine one! Good call, I've ordered one and will let you know how it sounds when I get it set up
Does the D03K have an amp built in? I'm really after an amp for my headphones. I have the E6 which is great for portable, but of course no good as a desktop solution (it hisses when being charged with USB).
No amplifier in the Fiio as far as I know - I don't need one for this setup, I'm using an external amp for the speakers I'm putting this through.
Sorry I didn't notice your reply to this thread sooner! Put that down to the eye as well It's much better thanks, still taking painkillers and treating the infection with ointment which is mostly cleared up now. Full focus hasn't returned yet, but it's good enough to drive and work, so I started back to today and promptly got swamped by a week of backlog Anyway, the DAC arrived at the start of the week but I haven't had a chance to test it yet. I'll be installing it on Saturday and will let you know what it's like.
if it doesn't end up working out for you, i can recommend a few others: audioquest dragonfly epiphany e-dac schiit modi and cheaper options hifimeDIY sabre dacs i use a dragonfly and love it
Thanks for the suggestions doc, but it needs to be powered by USB and have a digital optical input, not actually a USB DAC.
I still haven't had a chance to install it Might get a chance to do it tomorrow afternoon when I get home from work.
USB Powered DAC Recommendations? I finally got it installed earlier, there's a mini work log coming today or tomorrow to show what I've used it for, but I'll just say for now that the D03K is awesome! I can't believe something so small can make such a difference to audio clarity but it really does! At £30 it's an absolute steal too! [edit] I'm in need of a very short TOSLINK optical cable. Does anyone know where I could order one from? I know some places will make a cable up to whatever length you need it. I need one that's only about 15cm long.
