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Which DAC Under $300

M

Mwdan

Active Member
I'm wanting to buy a DAC and keep it under $300. I'd actually like to keep it at $200 or less but I'm willing to spend extra money if it's a nice upgrade.

I'll use it in between a CD player and a vintage stereo but later on when I get my music downloaded, I'd like to use it between a laptop and a vintage stereo.

Any thoughts about what the best bang for the buck is.
 
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There are plenty of good DACs in your price range. I just picked up a Fosi ZD3 for my desktop. Topping, Schiitt and SMSL have multiple models matching your budget., and Audio Science Review provides good technical reviews.

Since you plan to play music from your laptop, something you might want to consider as an alternative is a combination streamer/DAC. The Wiim Pro Plus is an excellent streamer, and its DAC is very well regarded. Well within your budget, and can stream from devices on your local network (for example, from your laptop via wifi) as well as from the internet (paid streaming services, ad-based streaming services, internet radio). And avoids the need for a physical connection between your laptop and the DAC.

Your CD player would connect to its optical digital input (assuming the CD player has optical output).

The Wiim is pretty much plug and play. The free Wiim app/software includes room correction and parametric EQ. The app will run on just about anything - laptop, tablet, desktop, smartphone. You use the app to select the music you want to hear. Very slick.
 
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I'm really not into streaming music because I have so many CDs that I can download and then make a playlist that will keep me going for a long, long time. Schitt has a Modi 5 for $149 and a Mimir for $299. I've read some good reviews on the Mimir, but I have to wonder if it's worth twice as much as a Modi 5. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'll check into all of the models that you've mentioned and thanks for the information. :thumbsup:
 
I bought a Modi 3 for my wife's docking laptop set-up in her home office. This was several years ago. I listened to it for several weeks in my workshop system before hooking up the laptop. I thought it was quite nice, regardless of it's low price point, and it's my understanding that the Modi 5 performs similarly.

Regarding streaming; you are probably well-aware of this, but streaming is a good option for listening to your own library of ripped CDs. Wanting to access music on my computer's hard drive without needing to have the computer tethered to my preamp is what got me started with streaming a few years back. Well, maybe more than a few!

Good luck with your DAC decision, although you really don't need it. DACs have become so good and so inexpensive that it's hard to buy a bad one.
 
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Consider inputs and outputs. What will you connect to the DAC? I assume you will connect laptop to DAC via USB. So I would look for USB DAC. As opposed to optical for instance.
What resolutions are the files played? If they are all CD quality no hi rez then in my opinion I would go with Modi or equivalent. I don't think a more expensive DAC is required.

I have same basic system. I use JRiver as music software.
 
Spend a little more and get a Schiit Mimir, which at $350, has been lauded by many reviewers as the "Best DAC under $1200."
 
rwartner said:
Consider inputs and outputs. What will you connect to the DAC? I assume you will connect laptop to DAC via USB. So I would look for USB DAC. As opposed to optical for instance.
What resolutions are the files played? If they are all CD quality no hi rez then in my opinion I would go with Modi or equivalent. I don't think a more expensive DAC is required.

I have same basic system. I use JRiver as music software.
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Or cover your bases with a DAC that has all the usual inputs...coaxial, USB and optical. Very common configuration.
 
The SMSL SU-1 or the new SU-2 have really good test results. The SU-1 can be had for under $100 now. The new SU-2 with new professor and DAC chip is around around $130. Both have decent OP amps as well.
One review I saw claimed if you want a slightly warmer tone the SU-1 would be the choise over the new SU-2. I plan on getting a SU-2. My main system along with various smaller systems I have are tube based. So I don't need a warmer tone.
 
spark1 said:
There are plenty of good DACs in your price range. I just picked up a Fosi ZD3 for my desktop. Topping, Schiitt and SMSL have multiple models matching your budget., and Audio Science Review provides good technical reviews.
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I was looking the Fosi ZD3 and really like the idea of a remote so I can control my volume. Since I don't want to use a phone to control anything this seems like it may be good for me. What are your thoughts on the sound quality? It's advertised as a desktop unit, but it'll still work for my purpose, won't it?

It looks like a Topping D50 III might also be a possibility.

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Mwdan said:
I was looking the Fosi ZD3 and really like the idea of a remote so I can control my volume. Since I don't want to use a phone to control anything this seems like it may be good for me. What are your thoughts on the sound quality? It's advertised as a desktop unit, but it'll still work for my purpose, won't it?

It looks like a Topping D50 III might also be a possibility.
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Yes, it will be fine for your planned uses. Takes just about any input. I think the "desktop" term means it's small and has a display? Regardless, it has all the capabilities you need.

Haven't used mine much yet, but it sounds good to me. Neutral, and transparent. Meets my criteria for a DAC!

I haven't used the remote, other than for dimming the meter when I first set it up.

I know that Topping makes many well-regarded DACs, but I don't have any experience with them.
 
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spark1 said:
Yes, it will be fine for your planned uses. Takes just about any input. I think the "desktop" term means it's small and has a display? Regardless, it has all the capabilities you need.

Haven't used mine much yet, but it sounds good to me. Neutral, and transparent. Meets my criteria for a DAC!

I haven't used the remote, other than for dimming the meter when I first set it up.

I know that Topping makes many well-regarded DACs, but I don't have any experience with them.
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Thank you for the information spark1. I'm going to continue looking at others and watch reviews, but this may be the one.
 
Geschelli Labs make their wonderful DACs right in Florida, and they have a fantastic look that can be customized. I have one on order — they build them to order -- and should get it in a couple of weeks. They’re not cheap. Mine will cost $800. But, depending on your options, they can make one for you for as little as under $300.

If you want to spend under $100, I recommend the SMSL SU-1.
 
Other fine inexpensive choices: JDS Labs Atom 2 DAC (about $150), the Fosi Audio Q6 (about $100).
The JDS does not have coax input; the Q6 has all 3 types of input.
 
I just received and hooked up a new SMSL PL-150 being used as a transport, and the new SMSL SU-2 DAC, both connected with an optical cable. I just started listening and so far I'm liking them both.
 

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At this point I've pretty much narrowed my choices down one of two DACs. The Fosi ZD3 and the MSML D6s. They both have everything I need on my must have list and both get good reviews. I need RCA outputs, coaxial and usb inputs. I want a remote and also a physical volume control on the DAC itself to control the volume of my vintage equipment. The D6s seems to get a little better review than the ZD3 but the D6s has a bult in power supply. I've read that Fosi has springtime sales that should be right around the corner so I'm waiting until I see what they come up with.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the ZD3 if Fosi discounts them this spring. I appreciate all suggestions and I still may change my mind depending on what I come up with between now and the spring sale.

I appreciate all of the suggestions.
 
Mwdan said:
At this point I've pretty much narrowed my choices down one of two DACs. The Fosi ZD3 and the MSML D6s. They both have everything I need on my must have list and both get good reviews. I need RCA outputs, coaxial and usb inputs. I want a remote and also a physical volume control on the DAC itself to control the volume of my vintage equipment. The D6s seems to get a little better review than the ZD3 but the D6s has a bult in power supply. I've read that Fosi has springtime sales that should be right around the corner so I'm waiting until I see what they come up with.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the ZD3 if Fosi discounts them this spring. I appreciate all suggestions and I still may change my mind depending on what I come up with between now and the spring sale.

I appreciate all of the suggestions.
Click to expand...
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So, what did you get?
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