Anything cheaper or more competitive than Khadas Tone Board 1 in 2025?

[azadricha]

Hiya. Acquired a Drop THX AAA ONE amplifier today for a truly great price. I was happy with my o2/ODAC combo but figured it was a nice marginal upgrade in a few key ways. I'm using the new amp with the ODAC right now, but don't see too much reason to keep both amplifiers right now. I can probably sell the O2 amp easier if I combo it with the ODAC. So I'm in the market for a DAC to pair the amplifier with.

I figured Khadas Tone Board with a 3d printed case is probably my best option in terms of price-performance. I only really need USB input and RCA output for this amp. No volume control is fine as I can use the amplifier volume control.

I know these boards were popular a few years back. But is there anything more competitive / cheaper nowadays? I know most of the differences between DACS nowadays are inaudible but I might as well get the best for my money if I'm spending it y'know.

Oh and this is my first post on the forum! Thanks for having me. Love from NZ.

 

[gvl]

Topping D10S is still great for a simple USB DAC, sounds fantastic.

 

[azadricha]

Topping D10S is still great for a simple USB DAC, sounds fantastic.

Quite a bit more expensive than the tone board where I am. Why would you recommend this over the other?

 

[staticV3]

I know these boards were popular a few years back. But is there anything more competitive / cheaper nowadays? I know most of the differences between DACS nowadays are inaudible but I might as well get the best for my money if I'm spending it y'know.

SU-1 costs the same as the Tone board, has a case already, and measures better.

Here's Amir's review: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-su-1-stereo-dac-review.44029/

 

[gvl]

Quite a bit more expensive than the tone board where I am. Why would you recommend this over the other?

It’s a finished product with a cool sampling rate display that has better measurements. Apos has it on sale in the US so here the price is about the same after you factor in the case you need to buy for the TB. If it’s significantly more expensive where you are maybe just get the TB.