Need advice choosing a DAC

[M1ndoz]

Hello all,

Currently I am using Allo Boss 1.2v with raspberry pi4 and Volumio, but I want to upgrade my current setup and I would like to buy a external DAC (I plan also connect TV), so I would like to get some advice.

Currently I am choosing between these 4 options below:

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-ES9038Q2M-PCM768kHz-Bluetooth-Decoder/dp/B09MW3JCV2?th=1

TOPPING E30 II DAC 2x AK4493S XMOS XU208 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics

Topping comes back with the compact DAC E30 II, a real evolution of the excellent E30, presenting many technical improvements allowing to reach even better sound performances. Dual DAC AK4493S, USB XMOS XU208 interface, optimized power supply...

www.audiophonics.fr

Sabaj A10d Audio Desktop Dac AK4997EQ freeshipping - HiFi-express

Brand Name: Sabaj Type: Desktop DSD Sampling Frequencies: 2.8224 MHz (DSD64) DSD Sampling Frequencies: 5.6448 MHz (DSD128) DSD Sampling Frequencies: 11.2896 MHz (DSD256) DSD Sampling Frequencies:...

hifi-express.com

SMSL SANSKRIT 10Th MKII DAC 32bit / 768kHz DSD512 USB XMOS AK4493 Black - Audiophonics

A super practical DAC at a low price to celebrate the 10 years of SMSL. Rotating screen according to the arrangement, control by remote control with volume: will work without a preamp.

www.audiophonics.fr

For me is important to get as much as possible, in this price range, natural sound, deep low frequencies and wider sound stage.
Is any of these 4 DAC's is good option or it will be same as with Allo Boss 1.2v?

 

[Doodski]

Is any of these 4 DAC's is good option or it will be same as with Allo Boss 1.2v?

I doubt you can hear a difference. What transducers are you using?

 

[Robin L]

DACs are already a solved issue as regards sound quality. Of all the components in the system, they have the least impact on the sound. I'm currently using my Topping E30, am very happy with its performance. I use the USB in for music on a chip, running through my PC. The BluRay player that functions as my CD player is attached via the optical in. I suspect you can't go wrong with any of the three but cast my vote for the Topping E30 II.

 

[M1ndoz]

I doubt you can hear a difference. What transducers are you using?

Thank you for your answer, I am really sorry but am not so good at terminology, so I am not sure if I correctly understand regarding transducers. I use Yamaha R-S202D

 

[VMAT4]

Thank you for your answer, I am really sorry but am not so good at terminology, so I am not sure if I correctly understand regarding transducers. I use Yamaha R-S202D

I think he meant speakers.

 

[M1ndoz]

I think he meant speakers.

Thank you
Dynavoice Definition DF-8

 

[Doodski]

Thank you for your answer, I am really sorry but am not so good at terminology, so I am not sure if I correctly understand regarding transducers. I use Yamaha R-S202D

A transducer is a electronic component that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into mechanical energy. In simple names it is the speaker. What speakers (transducers) are you using?

 

[M1ndoz]

A transducer is a electronic component that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy or electrical energy into mechanical energy. In simple names it is the speaker. What speakers (transducers) are you using?

Thank you for a detail explanation, I use Dynavoice Definition DF-8

 

[Doodski]

Thank you
Dynavoice Definition DF-8

You might hear a difference with those speakers but it would be a tiny difference and it might even be you imagining a difference to exist.

 

[Killingbeans]

I want to upgrade my current setup

natural sound, deep low frequencies and wider sound stage

Speakers + subwoofers, speaker placement, room treatment, EQ. That's where you get those kind of upgrades.

 

[Doodski]

@M1ndoz are you using a Windows PC?

 

[Mnyb]

Get the DAC if your TV also outputs a digital signal then it have utility for you , you can play multiple sources something your current setup does not do ( seems like everyone else missed that part)

But manage expectations about possible sonic differences.

 

[M1ndoz]

@M1ndoz are you using a Windows PC?

For music I am using Volumio + Tidal, sometimes I use Windows PC and Audirvana + Tidal for streaming music to same Rasperry pi with Volumio OS.

 

[Doodski]

For music I am using Volumio + Tidal, sometimes I use Windows PC and Audirvana + Tidal for streaming music to same Rasperry pi with Volumio OS.

Hmmmz. Have you used a EQ/PEQ? (Equalizer/parametric equalizer.)

 

[M1ndoz]

Hmmmz. Have you used a EQ/PEQ? (Equalizer/parametric equalizer.)

No I didn't tried to use EQ/PEQ

 

[Doodski]

No I didn't tried to use EQ/PEQ

A EQ/PEQ makes a big improvement to the sound quality. For Windows PC use this EQ APO. It will give you much better control of the sound so you can make it sound better.

 

[M1ndoz]

A EQ/PEQ makes a big improvement to the sound quality. For Windows PC use this EQ APO. It will give you much better control of the sound so you can make it sound better.

Thank you!

 

[Doodski]

Let's see your EQ APO operating.
Here's mine operating.

 

[M1ndoz]

Let's see your EQ APO operating.
Here's mine operating.
View attachment 239208

The problem is that when I am play directly from Tidal on PC EQ APO works just fine and I can hear real difference, but if I play music from Audirvana (what I always do on PC) EQ APO is not working, if I change something in EQ, nothing is changed during Audirvana playback.
So probably there is something specific with Audirvana.

 

[Doodski]

The problem is that when I am play directly from Tidal on PC EQ APO works just fine and I can hear real difference, but if I play music from Audirvana (what I always do on PC) EQ APO is not working, if I change something in EQ, nothing is changed during Audirvana playback.
So probably there is something specific with Audirvana.

Hmmmz. Try installing this Peace Equalizer overtop of EQ APO and then open the Peace Equalizer window and there will be a different skin on EQ APO. Sometimes the input and output settings vary too.