DAC recommendations

[seaninbrisbane]

Hi - I'm a long term reader of this forum, but signed up to ask a question (and hopefully contribute)! I recently sold my RME ADI-2 DAC to help fund a preamp purchase - I was using the DAC as a preamp, but I also like to use reel to reel so it wasn't ideal (and I never use headphones or any of the fancy options it had). I'd like to buy a simple DAC with similar sound profile/measurements. What would you recommend up to around $400-$500? Many thanks for any advice you might be able to give.

PS: I only need USB input (from my Mac using Roon)

 

[Moriarty]

Topping D70 (DAC only) is probably the best choice if you like RME ADI-2 DAC sound. 499 USD, now on Massdrop for 425 USD (till tomorrow). Measurements are very good, close to RME ADI-2 DAC. It use 2 x AK4497EQ chips and some other good quality parts.

Check here:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...and-measurements-of-the-topping-d70-dac.7694/

 

[seaninbrisbane]

Thanks for that - I'll look into that one,