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Bottom Feeder Newbie DAC Question

G

Gutter Puppy

New Member
Will spending more to replace my $29 little plastic DAC unit
make an appreciable difference in sound quality (don't care about specs/tests/ect.) using the following cheapo - eg. think MS-DOS - signal chain and under the following circumstances ?

TV streaming > optical out > little, plastic $29 (or so) DAC > analog RCA outs > DBX 31-band, stereo graphic EQ (analog) > old Sony STR-DH20 integrated amp > decent speakers . . . To add insult to injury,
these are located in an acoustically untreated - actually untreatable (absent spending a fortune) -, open, large, multi-angled living room-type area, with a 16' vaulted ceiling, partly carpeted/partly hard wood flooring, and with multiple large windows to boot . . . : > !

- Thank you - especially for your patience !!!
 
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Gutter Puppy said:
Will spending more to replace my $29 little plastic DAC unit
make an appreciable difference in sound quality (don't care about specs/tests/ect.) using the following cheapo - eg. think MS-DOS - signal chain and under the following circumstances ?

TV streaming > optical out > little, plastic $29 (or so) DAC > analog RCA outs > DBX 31-band, stereo graphic EQ (analog) > old Sony STR-DH20 integrated amp > decent speakers . . . To add insult to injury,
these are located in an acoustically untreated - actually untreatable (absent spending a fortune) -, open, large, multi-angled living room-type area, with a 16' vaulted ceiling, partly carpeted/partly hard wood flooring, and with multiple large windows to boot . . . : > !

- Thank you - especially for your patience !!!
Click to expand...

How much are you looking to spend? A Schitt Modi 5 is around $150. There are lots of choices under $500 or so.

I suspect it will sound different but, as with many things audio, better is up to you.
 
I suggest you audition a SMSL D1 dac. It utilizes a Rohm dac chip which will likely sound a bit different but possibly better than any other dac in its price range. If you listen to acoustic, vocal or classical music you may like the SMSL.
 
I found this list from I forget where but I used it when comparing units then purchasing the Topping the arrow points to. I like it very much.
I believe any on this list will sound much better than a $29 unit.

Screenshot (677).jpg
 
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