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Author Topic: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?  (Read 2372 times)

pa_perucci

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USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« on: November 07, 2018, 04:31:49 pm »

Any recommendations for a rock-solid USB DAC (or USB soundcard) in the $50-100 price range that sounds *good*, for Windows 10 and JRiver? I’m no audiophile, but I’m an ex-musician with a good ear, have ATH-M50 headphones, and an otherwise decent laptop with a horrid 3.5mm audio port.

Looking for USB input, and 3.5mm audio output.

My collection is ripped from CD typically at 256 bitrate, so no need for any fancy lossless drivers.

I just ordered a low-end Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter for $8, but I doubt it will sound much better than my built-in Lenovo Realtec.  Usually desktop/laptop on-board audio is fine for my needs, but this is the second Lenovo Thinkpad I’ve heard that just sounds “muddy”.
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Manfred

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Re: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2018, 05:10:52 pm »

You could look here:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-for-audio-hardware-reviews.2079/

According to them the Topping DX3Pro DAC and Headphone Amp is a good one but a little bit $$ as you asked for .

Cheaper is the Topping  NX4 DSD DAC and Portable Headphone Amplifier.

Have a look.
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Zhillsguy

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Re: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2018, 09:20:10 pm »

I recommend the Behringer 202HD or 404HD, or a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 if you catch them on sale.

All run native 24/192, are USB Audio 2.0 compliant and sound great.
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Ryzen 5 W11 x64 MC 29 HTPC/Server and HP G2 Mini Elitedesk W11 MC 29 (music only zone), various Android Phones and Tablets for control of both, powering two lanai surround systems, 5.1 and 4.1 respectively.

pa_perucci

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Re: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2018, 02:56:01 am »

Great info above!   :)

Unlike many product categories, based on my own research, and above, it doesn’t seem like there are established “go to” models in a given price range for USB DACs, but rather, tremendous variety.  It also seems like the “good stuff” starts at about $200 (based on my scans at Amazon).

Fortunately, I have time to shop...
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Listener

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Re: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2018, 06:38:18 pm »

I tried a behringer 204HD and sent it back.  Low output level.  Some outputs didn't work.  I couldn't figure out what the volume control did: inputs, balanced output 

I use an Audioengine D3 USB powered DAC in my main system and think it works just fine.  Audioengine sells them for $ 99 new and there is a refurbished item on their site for $ 45 right now.

https://audioengineusa.com/shop/factory-refurbished/d3-24-bit-dacheadphone-amp-2/

This DAC uses the UAC1 protocol that is universally supported by Windows 7 and 8 as well as win 10.

If you care about 24/192 or DSD, look for a DAC that uses UAC2.

Two web sites for good measurement based DAC reviews:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php

http://archimago.blogspot.com/


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Scobie

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Re: USB DAC for Windows 10 in $50-$100 price range?
« Reply #5 on: November 08, 2018, 07:12:57 pm »

Big Fan of Cambridge Audio and this one is very well regarded. If you have a google around there's now a V2.

https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/en/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/dacmagic-xs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015JESWQA/ref=psdc_13880161_t2_B015JESYV8

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