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[pa_perucci]

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”.

[Manfred]

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.

[Zhillsguy]

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.

[pa_perucci]

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...

[Listener]

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/

[Scobie]

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