Bargain DAC Suggestions?

[maxxevv]

Yep on 11/11 there's single's day biggest sales time in China, you could buy a Topping DX3 which seems to be ideal for your use case. The Topping DX3 on 11/11 is $197.99 instead of $219.99, you could get $3 new customer discount and $10 11/11 discount, $8 off every $150 spent, so looking at around $175. Still a lot more than your budget..

OR like @Cahudson42 says you could get a $9 apple usb-c adapter, a 3.5mm interconnect cable and use as amp a Topping NX3S ($69,99 from amazon) or a JDS Atom (around $100). The apple usb-c is just fine, but you could later upgrade it to something else should you be so inclined... The atom also has a pre-amp function for speakers which is pretty cool.

Note that some of these coupons cannot be stacked or expire before 11.11 . So the end price may not reach the US$175 target.

From what I can see, one should be able to stack the US$3/- coupon, with the US$8/- "select coupons" onto the US$197.99 price. Giving a final price of US$186.99.

 

[Rijimiriru]

the k3 has a weak amp when powerung single ended headphones. if you can stretch your budget for the k5 pro as a desktop not portable amp, i think you'll be happier

How happier? Because that's more than double the price :[
Is it worth delaying my purchase to save up and buy the K5 pro? Or should I go with the K3 and upgrade later on down the line?
I mean I've only ever had my sound directly coming our of my motherboards audio card.
Won't the K3 provide me with a significant upgrade to that?

 

[amirm]

Here are some chinese dacs that have peaked my interest before.[...]

WM8740-DIR9001 dac ~$50 that this guy reviewed https://www.musicservertips.com/product-reviews/usb-dac-diy/

This review is out: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wm8740-dir9001-dac-board-review.10608/

The comments the reviewer makes is kind of funny to read post my measurements.

 

[DrFlimFlam]

My Topping DX3 Pro was lost while moving house, is there anything equivalent now for about 150-200?

what would be the best choice today?

It would be used with headphones and an auto amplified 2.1 monitor system, but I can use with them also de headphone minijack if necessary, so even a dragonfly red could fit if needed.

 

[Veri]

My Topping DX3 Pro was lost while moving house, is there anything equivalent now for about 150-200?

DX3 is still some of the best value. sad to lose it

 

[detlev24]

ESI Dr. DAC nano

Still listed at, e.g., B&H for $99.95.