Bargain DAC Suggestions?

[beeface]

Just thought of a more left-field suggestion: a Radial USB Pro DI.

https://www.amazon.com/Radial-USB-Pro-2-channel-Active-Instrument/dp/B00E5LY4DO

I haven't used this product personally, but the Radial devices I've used at work have all been bombproof. Might be interesting to see if it would be suitable for domestic use.

 

[amirm]

Pretty industrial looking! And certainly fit for on-the-read application as intended.

Alas, seeing that the specs stop at 24/96, it is using old DAC chips. As such, I don't think it will be desirable at such high cost ($220).

 

[bhigh]

I don't really understand the purpose of these overpowered AMPs. I can make my Monoprice M1060 uncomfortable loud on the low-gain setting at half volume. And I have no issue driving the AKG K7xx either.

Something something transients? Also bragging rights.

 

[Deleted member 1514]

I just got one of these delivered today(On Sunday somehow), the Sabaj D4 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sab...r-Mini-DAC-AMP-for-PC-Mac-or/32824363211.html It's also available on Amazon. The aliexpress link has a decent board picture.

Dual AK4452, XMOS USB, linear power supply, headphone amp, OLED display, adjustable filters, Bluetooth with Apt-x, touch menu, remote control(but no volume knob...). The RCA amps function as pre-amp outs and you can switch between the HP port and rear outs with a button press.

 

[Deleted member 1514]

I also received an iBassio D14 portable DAC/AMP over the weekend as well. https://www.amazon.com/iBasso-D14-Bushmaster-Headphone-Connection/dp/B013CS2BF8

It packs a lot of punch for its size. ESS 9018K2M, rechargeable battery built-in, 400mW output at 32ohms, two gain settings, optical/coax SPDIF input, line in/out,

 

[Veri]

OK, I will proceed to order it. I hope you guys spread the word on it when the review comes out. I could have bought 10 USB thumb drives for the same price!

Can't wait to see performance of the newest Sabre PRO! Awesome that your ordered it.

 

[amirm]

Can't wait to see performance of the newest Sabre PRO! Awesome that your ordered it.

My pleasure. They shipped it via swiss post and it is taking a european vacation right now before being shipped to US!

 

[pos]

I don't really understand the purpose of these overpowered AMPs. I can make my Monoprice M1060 uncomfortable loud on the low-gain setting at half volume. And I have no issue driving the AKG K7xx either.

I don't know for headphones users, but I ordered this amp to drive a pair of 16 ohms compression drivers, and I know I am not the only one doing this
In this context 6W is just enough

 

[Veri]

My pleasure. They shipped it via swiss post and it is taking a european vacation right now before being shipped to US!

Sounds interesting for shipping to EU if I end up buying it I want it to measure at least as good as the D50, otherwise I'll just get the Topping.

 

[amirm]

has anyone suggested the Massdrop x Grace Design SDAC?

This review is up: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...rements-of-massdrop-x-grace-design-sdac.2495/

 

[Veri]

This review is up: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...rements-of-massdrop-x-grace-design-sdac.2495/

You're spoiling us Amir =) Awesome to see USB linearity of the OL Dac btw. Great that you got this test to work with other interface than SPDIF.

 

[sssn]

Amirm, could you measure the Tascam US-2x2 audio interface? I'm debating whether or not to get it for its balanced outputs to feed my Arcam rHead headphone amp

 

[amirm]

Amirm, could you measure the Tascam US-2x2 audio interface?

I don't have one to measure. Looking at the specs, it stops at 96 kHz which indicates use of older DACs/design. So I don't know if it is worth buying.

 

[sssn]

But it has a fancy Hi-Res Audio sticker

 

[sejarzo]

Has this been noted? Breeze Audio ES9018K2M + AD823 + SA9023 USB DAC:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New...-Amplifier-Beyond-ES9023-DAC/32702345553.html

For the next few hours, it's $26.98 shipped to the US.

 

[amirm]

Not that I recall. It is on Amazon with one review saying "it doesn't sound good!"

 

[Blumlein 88]

Not that I recall. It is on Amazon with one review saying "it doesn't sound good!"

Probably just expectation bias due to the low price. I'm sure it sounds fine.

 

[sejarzo]

Here's the bare completed board assembly for that Breeze Audio/Nobsound/et al DAC. Perhaps those skilled in the art can comment on any obvious design flaws?

https://www.amazon.com/Assembled-SA9023-ES9018K2M-audio-24-bit/dp/B07BFPL6S9/

 

[duo8]

I have that one. Bought it for $11. It came with a cap installed wrong and blew 30s after plugging it in.
There were other caps installed that didn't match the label.
I think its OI is rather high, though I never did a proper measurement.

To me it sounds perfectly fine, HP output is hiss-free.
It has volume control but it's done by the USB receiver chip.

 

[RTI]

I just got one of these delivered today(On Sunday somehow), the Sabaj D4 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sab...r-Mini-DAC-AMP-for-PC-Mac-or/32824363211.html It's also available on Amazon. The aliexpress link has a decent board picture.

I'd Also be interested in this device, it seems there are no devices with such functionality in this price range (The SMSL AD18 kinda fits in here, but it has a weaker headphone out and not so sure about the DAC part)