Best DAC with Streaming under $300?

[bane.oh]

Right now I am streaming FLAC files from my laptop running Windows 10 to a Brightplay HD Apt-X Bluetooth receiver. Needless to say, the quality leaves a bit to be desired. I am looking for a way to wirelessly stream hi res files using a DAC with either Bluetooth or WiFi. Additionally I would like a DAC that also has a wired input to connect my PC or a music server in the future. I am just starting to venture in to the world of Hi-Fi digital so any advice is appreciated. Honestly I don't even know if a product that fits those requirements exists, but I thought I'd ask.

 

[PAGS]

SMSL or Topping DAC (several options; take your pick) plus Chromecast Audio. Use optical (TOSLINK) cable between Chromecast Audio "puck" and preamp (amp).

 

[E-Stat]

You're really talking about two different components, sometimes bundled into one. DACs simply output an analog signal from a digital input. The other side is a renderer which accepts network input via ethernet or WiFi the content (usually via a smartphone app) and sends the digital stream to a DAC.

PAGS offered the least expensive option. You could meet your budget by stepping up to a Raspberry PI based solution which offers more flexibility and can be upgraded for higher sound quality.

 

[kurtgo]

check out the Fiio X5 Gen3 DAP. I think you can get it for around $335 or so now. I use the hell out of mine.

 

[bane.oh]

You're really talking about two different components, sometimes bundled into one. DACs simply output an analog signal from a digital input. The other side is a renderer which accepts network input via ethernet or WiFi the content (usually via a smartphone app) and sends the digital stream to a DAC.

PAGS offered the least expensive option. You could meet your budget by stepping up to a Raspberry PI based solution which offers more flexibility and can be upgraded for higher sound quality.

I like the idea of chromecast audio and a separate DAC, but that Raspberry Pi Boss DAC sounds pretty cool. Hmmmm. With the Chromecast and external DAC, I can run my computer in to the usb on the DAC and the Chromecast in to the optical. Then I can stream for convenience and use my desktop for the best quality.

 

[Silentnet]

Emotiva PT-100 plus their Bluetooth adapter would be like $350.

 

[E-Stat]

Hmmmm. With the Chromecast and external DAC, I can run my computer in to the usb on the DAC and the Chromecast in to the optical. Then I can stream for convenience and use my desktop for the best quality.

Alternately, you could still use an external DAC and use a S/PDIF digital output "Hat" for the RPi which has far less jitter than Toslink/optical. That's the approach I take with the garage system using a modified Music Hall DAC 25.3.

 

[doctorrazz]

You can still find Bluesound Node on eBay for under $300. Had mine a few years and excellent sound.

 

[AlphaEcho35]

As others have said - there are several great Raspberry Pi solutions.
HifiBerry Dac+ bundle or Allo Boss Dac bundle with Max2Play or one of the other free music players on the Raspberry Pi. Under $200 bucks.

I use the Raspberry Pi / DigiOne setup as a Roon network player.