Need a budget DAC with usb and line-in

[Pversion]

As stated, I need a budget DAC (~$100) with USB, Line-In and Line-Out. My audio source will be a laptop connected via USB, with Line-Out from DAC to a vintage amplifier. The Line-In would be for converting old analog sources like tape into files on the laptop. I'm thinking an audio-interface like Scarlett 2i2 might be my best bet. Any recommendations?

 

[Zek]

I need a budget DAC (~$100) with USB, Line-In and Line-Out.

As far as I know, no DAC has a line-in option.
Why don't you lead the line signal directly to the amplifier?

 

[AnalogSteph]

Seems like what you're looking for is more along the lines of a consumer-level USB soundcard, rather than an audio interface. Creative X3 or thereabouts. The device to beat may still be the old X-Fi HD, long discontinued... Creative's modern DSP engine is a bit crappy and introduces high levels of 1/f noise for some reason. There may be USB sound dongles that are decent enough but it's a crapshoot.

It should be possible to make a USB audio interface work, but you basically need one that is good in instrument input mode (which most closely resembles a consumer line-in), generally with switched mic/line/inst or XLR mic + TRS line/inst, and a lot of them would require custom-made output cabling (typically RaneNote 110 #10B) unless you get a model with RCA jacks already built-in, like a MOTU M2 (which however would be twice the budget).

 

[Pversion]

As far as I know, no DAC has a line-in option.
Why don't you lead the line signal directly to the amplifier?

I wouldn't want to potentially add any coloration from the vintage amp when creating a file to archive.

 

[Pversion]

Seems like what you're looking for is more along the lines of a consumer-level USB soundcard, rather than an audio interface. Creative X3 or thereabouts. The device to beat may still be the old X-Fi HD, long discontinued... Creative's modern DSP engine is a bit crappy and introduces high levels of 1/f noise for some reason. There may be USB sound dongles that are decent enough but it's a crapshoot.

It should be possible to make a USB audio interface work, but you basically need one that is good in instrument input mode (which most closely resembles a consumer line-in), generally with switched mic/line/inst or XLR mic + TRS line/inst, and a lot of them would require custom-made output cabling (typically RaneNote 110 #10B) unless you get a model with RCA jacks already built-in, like a MOTU M2 (which however would be twice the budget).

An external sound card would be fine if that's my best option. I already have tons of odd cables like RCA-to-TS plugs, so cabling isn't an issue.

 

[Middle Earth]

The Modi+ has USB in
It is $129 right now but might go on sale

 

[Daverz]

The Topping E2x2 is $159 and has better ADC performance than the Motu M2 or M4.

Topping E2x2 Audio Interface Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping Professional E2x2 audio interface (ADC, DAC, Headphone Amp). It was sent to me by the company and costs US $159. As the British would say, the E2x2 definitely "looks the part" as far as fitting in the general offering of interfaces in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Dunring]

I think the Sound blaster G6 would do it.

 

[MCH]

I use a sound blaster x-fi hd. I have just checked and saw 6 for sale in my local second hand website at around 40 eur. (I think it can be get cheaper). I tested before the Behringer UFO but was too noisy. The sound blaster is perfect for me. I sometimes use it to measure my crazy diy DAC projects and can get values of ca. 90 dB for sinad, not bad!
Note: I do use an external phono preamp, the one built in did not convince me (noise, subjectively)

 

[NickArcade]

SteelSeries GameDAC or GameDAC gen 2. But em used on eBay. I just ordered a gen 1 on eBay to tinker around with as I already own one, and I own 2 gen 2s. If you still don't have one I may be able to work something out with you

 

[jindy30]

I went for the Tascam US-2x2HR. but i didnt realy need the recording side of things but its a good solid device for in's and out's.