Dac recommendation?

[paulraphael]

I'm looking for a DAC, and didn't see a search function with filters like there is for speakers. Did I just miss it?

If there isn't one, can anyone recommend a DAC that fits the following priorities?

Must have:
1. Good design, good UX
2. Balanced and unbalanced output
3. Good audio performance (don't need state of the art, but no audible problems)
4. Works by USB with a Mac without 3rd party driver


Nice to have:
1. Ability to stream wirelessly from a Mac via bluetooth
2. Under $200

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[staticV3]

I know only one DAC with Bal and Unbal output that's sold new for <$200. It's the SMSL D-6, which costs $170 and comes with LDAC Bluetooth input.
Amir reviewed it here.

Other options around that price point are:
-Soncoz LA-QXD1 at $220 (no Bluetooth)
-Topping E50 at $270 (no Bluetooth)
-Schiit Modius at $230 (no Bluetooth)
-Khadas Tone2 Pro at $250 (no Bluetooth)
-SMSL DO100 at $240 (LDAC Bluetooth)

 

[paulraphael]

I know only one DAC with Bal and Unbal output that's sold new for <$200. It's the SMSL D-6, which costs $170 and comes with LDAC Bluetooth input.
Amir reviewed it here.

Other options around that price point are:
-Soncoz LA-QXD1 at $220 (no Bluetooth)
-Topping E50 at $270 (no Bluetooth)
-Schiit Modius at $230 (no Bluetooth)
-Khadas Tone2 Pro at $250 (no Bluetooth)
-SMSL DO100 at $240 (LDAC Bluetooth)

Thank you!

Very helpful. The SMSL D-6 looks almost perfect. My only hesitation is Amir's report of the controls being confusing / badly designed. I'd pay more for something designed to operated by homo sapiens.

Anything come to mind?

 

[paulraphael]

I went ahead and ordered the SMSL DO100. I suspect even if it has interface problems, it won't come up often enough to be a real bother. The main thing would be switching between USB and bluetooth. Fingers crossed.

 

[Sellig]

I'm looking for a DAC, and didn't see a search function with filters like there is for speakers. Did I just miss it?

If there isn't one, can anyone recommend a DAC that fits the following priorities?

Must have:
1. Good design, good UX
2. Balanced and unbalanced output
3. Good audio performance (don't need state of the art, but no audible problems)
4. Works by USB with a Mac without 3rd party driver


Nice to have:
1. Ability to stream wirelessly from a Mac via bluetooth
2. Under $200

Thanks for any thoughts!

Here is another solution: SMSL SU-8s DAC at $199.US (usually $360.US) at DROP:

SMSL SU-8s DAC | Audiophile | DACs | Drop

Drop exclusive price and reviews: SMSL SU-8s DAC | The SMSL SU-8s is an excellent audiophile DAC—providing incredible audio performance without all the...

drop.com

Amir tested it: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/.../smsl-su-8s-review-balanced-stereo-dac.26685/

PS: I bought one two days ago.