Cheap high (4v+) Vrms DAC?

[nrabbit]

I'm looking at buying a low gain amp that takes 4+ vrms to get much power out of it. It seems like 4+ vrms is only provided by the higher range DACs. Is there anything in the sub 500 range that can push this voltage?

 

[NTK]

A cheap way is to use a headphone amp, such as the JDS Atom or the many equivalents, to act as a pre-amp to provide the additional voltage gain you need.

 

[Theriverlethe]

I'm looking at buying a low gain amp that takes 4+ vrms to get much power out of it. It seems like 4+ vrms is only provided by the higher range DACs. Is there anything in the sub 500 range that can push this voltage?

Hifiberry DAC+ Pro XLR provides 4VRMS output, if you want to build a Pi-based streamer. 2VRMS is the Redbook standard for single-ended line output, and a lot of devices don’t even manage that.

 

[Veri]

Aune S16 was a good, affordable 5.6Vrms DAC. If you can find one used in good condition (or even new). Liked this one a lot, kinda regret selling it

 

[raindance]

What about the Emotiva DC-1?

 

[Theriverlethe]

What about the Emotiva DC-1?

For the price of a used DC-1, he might as well get a new Topping DX7. Schiit Modius looks like a good option at 1/3rd the price if he's looking for a pure balanced DAC, but OP didn't specify if he needs volume control.

 

[nrabbit]

A cheap way is to use a headphone amp, such as the JDS Atom or the many equivalents, to act as a pre-amp to provide the additional voltage gain you need.

This is a great idea / probably the best option as I need volume control too.

Hifiberry DAC+ Pro XLR provides 4VRMS output, if you want to build a Pi-based streamer. 2VRMS is the Redbook standard for single-ended line output, and a lot of devices don’t even manage that.

I didn't realize there was a standard for single-ended line output. It makes a lot of sense now that there seems to be a correlation between having xlr outs and 4vrms.

 

[dfuller]

Prosumer and pro level audio interfaces generally can provide significantly more output voltage swing (e.g., an Audient iD22 can do +18dBu at 0dBFS and an RME ADI-2 Pro can do +24dBu) than consumer DACs, so that's worth considering if you need it.

 

[renaudrenaud]

SMSL SU8? Here.