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Cheap and good dac/pre-amp for powered monitors?

Fluffy

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I'm having trouble finding this type of product – a dac that can function as a pre-amp (basically volume control) for powered speakers, that have balanced outputs. For say, monitors like the YAMAHA HS5.

Most devices that contain those functions also come with audio inputs and a built in headphone out, that are unnecessary for people who just want to listen to music through speakers – and probably needlessly adds cost.

What exist in this category and what are the price ranges?
 

Blumlein 88

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Motu M2 which has all the things you don't want.

In theory all those extra features you don't need add to cost. And in reality they do a little bit. But as so many of these functions are handled by one chip, and at the low end it is more about creating a large enough market to reach economy of scale it doesn't work out that way. In a sense you get those extras for nearly free or would have to pay just about the same not to have them.

I mean the M2 uses a high quality SabreDAC. Is there any DAC with similar quality parts that is less expensive? Even the Topping or SMSL DAC/pres with balanced outputs cost more.

$169.95
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M2--motu-m2-2x2-usb-c-audio-interface
 
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VintageFlanker

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Most devices that contain those functions also come with audio inputs and a built in headphone out, that are unnecessary for people who just want to listen to music through speakers – and probably needlessly adds cost.
What exist in this category and what are the price ranges?
SMSL M200. No headphones out, balanced output, digital preamp. Very good measured performance. 279$
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