Best DAC for $200-$350?

[Pearljam5000]

Thinking about the Motu M2 is there anything else that's better at price?
Another question, if i buy something like an RME ADI-2 for a $1000, how much better will it sound?

 

[M00ndancer]

Thinking about the Motu M2 is there anything else that's better at price?
Another question, if i buy something like an RME ADI-2 for a $1000, how much better will it sound?

About the M2, that depends on what you need regarding functions.
The RME will not "sound" any better, but will have other features that is desirable.

Are you after measured performance?
Functions?
Looks?

 

[Pearljam5000]

I'm after sound quality
I'm considering the M2 or Topping D50s, basically i need a DAC with volume control for active studio monitors.

 

[M00ndancer]

I'm after sound quality
I'm considering the M2 or Topping D50s, basically i need a DAC with volume control for active studio monitors.

The M2 got a proper volume knob.
You will not hear any difference in sound quality.
Question, what brand and model of your monitors?

 

[Pearljam5000]

The M2 got a proper volume knob.
You will not hear any difference in sound quality.
Question, what brand and model of your monitors?

Genelec, not sure which model yet
So the M2 is a good choice? How much better is the M4?

 

[Kit Carson]

My 2 cents: Sciit Modius + Nobsound Volume Control (this: https://www.doukaudio.com/douk-audi...-pre-amp-xlr-rca-volume-controller-p0077.html).
What do you think about this possible solution?

Bye

 

[Jimbob54]

I'm after sound quality
I'm considering the M2 or Topping D50s, basically i need a DAC with volume control for active studio monitors.

Dont spend your money on a dac then

Edit, don't spend that amount of money on a dac then. If you need adjustable volume (rca or xlr out?) the Topping e30 will do for rca. Not sure about volume variable xlr but the smsl m500 is around that price.

 

[M00ndancer]

So the M2 is a good choice? How much better is the M4?

M2 and M4 is in reality the same with the M4 having more in and outs.

Genelec, not sure which model yet

If you don't know the model on Genelecs, it's impossible to make a good suggestion. Why don't you start over?

Speakers? (Still no real answer, there is big difference between different models of Genelecs, what functions they have. )
Sources?
Usage?
Where?
Budget?
Functions?

Have fun!

 

[Purité Audio]

If you get ’digital’ actives you won’t need a dac.
Keith