Need some help finding "DAC + speaker amp"

[TXinD76121]

I came here to look at the review of the Hegel H95 and found it got low marks from the reviewer.

But I'm having trouble finding what I need. I have a pair of Revel M16 "Concerta2" bookshelf speakers, and I would like to try to set them up as a desktop nearfield system. I want to start with Apple Music on my computer, and with a C-to-B USB cable go to a unit that is: a high-res-capable DAC + speaker amp with at least 60 WPC all in one chassis.

I don't even know what such units are called! So I have trouble knowing what to search for. I find "DAC + headphone amp" units all over everywhere, but where/how do I find DAC + speaker-amp components?

By hi-res capable DAC I just mean that can play Apple Lossless.

I would certainly appreciate help and specific recommendations of things to look at. Thanks!

M.

 

[staticV3]

Amps with built-in DACs are usually thrown into the Integrated Amplifier category, annoyingly alongside Amps whose only differentiator from Power Amps is the inclusion of a volume pot.

This means that in most online shops, you'll just have to scroll through the Integrated Amplifier category and check each one for the presence of a USB input: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/integrated-amplifiers-c-6307.html

 

[Ruediger]

I think streamer with amp could do the same minus the USB cable. Just send music to that device on the network.

I assume it's about the same on Apple as is on Win.

Also applies to rather old hardware. If you have some AVR with network and basic streaming capability, it will do that. Apple lossless (alac) needs to be checked in the codec list.

 

[Redacted]

What's not to like about Wiim and other sensibly priced units?

 

[Ruediger]

If it's actually about the USB input, a WiiM amp needs a USB-to-optical converter.

 

[Redacted]

Dunno. I haven't got one, but Wiim is popular on ASR.

And if the music is stored on a PC, my recommendation is to use Universal Media Server* and let the streamer (any/all streamers, they all do DLNA) pull the files over the network, as suggested.

* Free and so simple your granny could get sorted in 4 or 5 clicks. Other free streaming servers are available. Lots of them.

 

[john61ct]

Wiim Ultra is SO full featured, so long as Airplay not required.

Wiim Amp Ultra adds the power amp functionality built in all in one, but less flexible wrt future proofing, I would prefer adding 3e A7 to Wiim Ultra above.

...

Eitr 2 is a DDC, adds USB input for $99 to any DAC without that

for a little more becomes a remote preamp with very well implemented Loudness contouring, adds a bit more PEQs as well.

 

[TXinD76121]

Amps with built-in DACs are usually thrown into the Integrated Amplifier category, annoyingly alongside Amps whose only differentiator from Power Amps is the inclusion of a volume pot.

This means that in most online shops, you'll just have to scroll through the Integrated Amplifier category and check each one for the presence of a USB input: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/integrated-amplifiers-c-6307.html

I can't buy Audiophonics because they only sell direct and they currently won't ship to the USA.

 

[john61ct]

purchase / reshipping agents are a thing

but in this case that was just an example for illustration

 

[staticV3]

I can't buy Audiophonics because they only sell direct and they currently won't ship to the USA.

Audiophonics was just an example.

The story will likely be the same with your local retailer.

 

[Power Pop 23]

As mentioned @Ruediger,

Select WiiM devices have an optical input that can be converted to a USB input

I have no idea of the performance of the converter at Amazon at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/Cubilux-TOSLINK-Thunderbolt-Converter-Compatible/dp/B09QFYNB7Y/

WiiM's parent company Linkplay, occasionally sells refurbished WiiM devices with a 1 year warranty at their outlet store on Ebay - including the WiiM Amp

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[john61ct]

Select WiiM devices have an optical input that can be converted to a USB input

I have no idea of the performance of the converter at Amazon at the link below

Schiit Eitr 2 is likely to be much better.

 

[TXinD76121]

I found the answer to my question—I went to Review Index > Audio Electronics > Device Type and found 19 listings for "DAC+Speaker AMP," eight of which are Recommended. The one that really fit the bill was by Audiophonics, but if I ever wanted to resell that I'd probably have a hard time given where I am in the world.

I guess I've given up and have retreated to the idea of a separate DAC and amp. I'm looking at the SMSL RAW DAC 1 and a VTV Hypex amp right now, but I've been glued to my computer opening hundreds of tabs for many hours, so let's just say that I've been looking at "a lot of things." Always hard to know what do in audio, given that when we make a purchase we're always basically just guessing.

 

[Ruediger]

You haven't said if you def. want the USB connection to computer - or just want to play your (lossless) music. Which doesn't require the "DAC by the computer" approach. But it's one way to do it and if you want a DAC over a streamer then that's it.

Nice choice of devices!

As for the USB options to a WiiM Ultra - aren't those USB-toslink adapters supposed to be transparent? The Cubilux is just 25. I know the Schiit Eitr 2 is aiming to be on another level of quality and components.

 

[john61ct]

I would want to see measurements, but have to say $25 is sure worth a try!

 

[TXinD76121]

I bought the SMSL RAW DAC 1 today. Open Box for $340. I worked at a hi-fi shop in 1993 when they first started coming out with this strange category of components called "DAC"s. To me it just meant you had to spring for yet one more pair of interconnects. I bet the DACs of today are a little better than the ones we were selling for $2k and $3k back then. ;-)

 

[john61ct]

In many cases even below $40 is "perfect" wrt audible differences, if you really want one standalone.

Pay more for lots of input types, aesthetics, preamp / DSP features, flexibility...

 

[john61ct]

I only paid $240 for Wiim Ultra, delivered. I could not personally justify more than that for a DAC-only standalone.