New DAC help please

[HAPPY1]

Hi Team,

First post so please be kind ;-)

I am looking to update my current dac and have no clue on where to start.

i am currently running:

- apple mac mini as a media server
- into an old beresford dac
- to Naim 5i
- to some classic kef speakers

I really want to change up the dac for something better.

any suggestions please?

thanks so much

 

[HAPPY1]

ps i dont have a lot of cash to throw at this so probably go some something entry or mid range

 

[sweetchaos]

Look at ASR review index.

Master Audio Review Index

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Dunring]

Amazon has the SMSL DL200 for $170 and I use one daily and love it. It's a 5 volt DAC and the built in amplifier can handle a lot also. Runs cool and wide for stacking. The Topping E50 is another I use and has RCA and balanced out, but the DL200 is the value for money winner.

 

[sam_adams]

@amirm uses the Topping DX3 Pro as a benchmark. The Topping DX3 Pro + is the upscale version with an excellent price/performance ratio. Reasonably priced.

 

[JustJones]

At the above link you can filter by device, price and recommended. Depending on the features you should be able to find one for less than $200

 

[HAPPY1]

silly question but i assume using the dac with the naim amp means that the dac amp isnt necessary?

edit - checked that the 5i is integrated amp so i guess i dont need a pre amp dac?

 

[Chrispy]

What do you want the new dac to do that your old dac can't?

 

[HAPPY1]

What do you want the new dac to do that your old dac can't?

its been years since i looked at my setup so i guess i want to make sure im getting the best sound possible.

i wont be using the dac for headphones just for converting digital files on the mac mini.

i dont recall dacs coming with bluetooth capablity when i looked 10 years ago but that might be useful

 

[Chrispy]

I doubt a new dac will bring any audible difference if you're not having issues now....but additional features are nice but also easy to add a bt receiver.....

 

[HAPPY1]

the beresford is slowly dying hence the replacement. i wouldnt just replace like for like with another one as it appears that there are better options out there accoustically

 

[gvl]

Topping D10s is still great if all you need is a USB input.

 

[Chrispy]

the beresford is slowly dying hence the replacement. i wouldnt just replace like for like with another one as it appears that there are better options out there accoustically

How is it dying, it works intermittently or cuts in/out or something? Acoustically as in audibly? Or?

 

[Zek]

i wont be using the dac for headphones just for converting digital files on the mac mini.

Look at the Topping E30II Lite Dac.

 

[antcollinet]

Any of the budget DACs that are recommended in Amir's reviews (everything in the blue and green section of the chart) will give you the best sound you can ask for.

So choose between them based on :

Price
Features
After sales support
Percieved brand quality
Etc.

 

[HAPPY1]

Topping D10s is still great if all you need is a USB input.

im currently connecting via optical digital out from the mac

 

[HAPPY1]

Any of the budget DACs that are recommended in Amir's reviews (everything in the blue and green section of the chart) will give you the best sound you can ask for.

So choose between them based on :

Price
Features
After sales support
Percieved brand quality
Etc.

i know i must be missing something but all i can see under the reviews is the ability to search by name? my issue being that im not sure what brands to search on?

definately not seeing the blue & green chart sections

 

[gvl]

im currently connecting via optical digital out from the mac

USB is generally a better way to go but sometimes you may end up with a sticky ground loop. If your amp uses a 2-prong ungrounded wall plug this likely won't be an issue.

 

[antcollinet]

i know i must be missing something but all i can see under the reviews is the ability to search by name? my issue being that im not sure what brands to search on?

definately not seeing the blue & green chart sections

Yeah - I know. It would be helpful if it were provided as a direct link from the review index.

It is available in most dac reveiws such as:

VMV D2R Stereo DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the (SMSL) VMV D2R stereo balanced USB DAC with Bluetooth. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $999. The DAC is quite heavy for its size and has pretty stout construction. User interface is similar to other SMSL products. A higher-end...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Just below the dashboard. You have to click it twice to zoom in sufficiently.

 

[JustJones]

Click on the little magnifying glass with the a above the search box. Take you to this screen. I would start with
Dac for device
Price between
Recommended > yes