kouki_monster
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2020
- Messages
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- 32
Hi all,
You probably loathe questions like this, but I'm new around here, so please go easy on me. ;-)
I found you guys while learning about discrete DAC's. I'm trying to connect my Apple TV (G3) to my powered speakers and thus need an optical ready DAC for the task. After looking into the FiiO Taishan D03K, as well as a few other cheap options, it became apparent that my ears will need something better.. something in the ~$75-100 range, or I'll probably be disappointed. This led me to hours of research, cutting through the BS, studying my sources, etc.. I am left with a short list and would appreciate your subjective thoughts regarding these discrete, dedicated DAC's. Other suggestions are of course welcome, too, but at this point I've likely seen it and crossed it off the list for whatever reason.
At this point I am trying to decide if the simple, $59 Optical DAC from HiFiMeDIY will be perfectly fine, or if I should splurge a little extra on one of the following:
1. Topping D30 - Seems to be the king, but is the most expensive to buy while also the "cheapest" when it comes to the enclosure, features, etc. Wins where it counts, though!
2. Schiit Modi 3 - Seems to get great reviews across the board. I like the physical appearance and simplicity, but a display would be nice. Made in USA which I like.
3. SMSL M100 - Cheapest of the bunch, only $20 more than the HiFiMeDIY product but worlds nicer when it comes to enclosure and features. Even has a display! Is there really any reason to spend more than this??
4. SMSL Sanskrit 10th v2 - New version comes in black which I like. Great features, has display, seems very powerful, even has remote. Very future proof. Spotty reviews?
The other benefit to splurging a little is that these other ~$100 DAC's will surely be more "future-proof" in that they offer USB input in case I ever want/need it down the road.
I'm sure you guys already know what chips are in these DAC's, but I'll be happy to list that info if it helps anyone else.
Since this is my first discrete DAC, I bet there are things that I'm not thinking of, or am unaware of, such as how the different power supplies in these DAC's will affect things. That's why I am here!
Thanks!
You probably loathe questions like this, but I'm new around here, so please go easy on me. ;-)
I found you guys while learning about discrete DAC's. I'm trying to connect my Apple TV (G3) to my powered speakers and thus need an optical ready DAC for the task. After looking into the FiiO Taishan D03K, as well as a few other cheap options, it became apparent that my ears will need something better.. something in the ~$75-100 range, or I'll probably be disappointed. This led me to hours of research, cutting through the BS, studying my sources, etc.. I am left with a short list and would appreciate your subjective thoughts regarding these discrete, dedicated DAC's. Other suggestions are of course welcome, too, but at this point I've likely seen it and crossed it off the list for whatever reason.
At this point I am trying to decide if the simple, $59 Optical DAC from HiFiMeDIY will be perfectly fine, or if I should splurge a little extra on one of the following:
1. Topping D30 - Seems to be the king, but is the most expensive to buy while also the "cheapest" when it comes to the enclosure, features, etc. Wins where it counts, though!
2. Schiit Modi 3 - Seems to get great reviews across the board. I like the physical appearance and simplicity, but a display would be nice. Made in USA which I like.
3. SMSL M100 - Cheapest of the bunch, only $20 more than the HiFiMeDIY product but worlds nicer when it comes to enclosure and features. Even has a display! Is there really any reason to spend more than this??
4. SMSL Sanskrit 10th v2 - New version comes in black which I like. Great features, has display, seems very powerful, even has remote. Very future proof. Spotty reviews?
The other benefit to splurging a little is that these other ~$100 DAC's will surely be more "future-proof" in that they offer USB input in case I ever want/need it down the road.
I'm sure you guys already know what chips are in these DAC's, but I'll be happy to list that info if it helps anyone else.
Since this is my first discrete DAC, I bet there are things that I'm not thinking of, or am unaware of, such as how the different power supplies in these DAC's will affect things. That's why I am here!
Thanks!