Searching for a 2.1 DSP/DAC/Preamp for Under $200

[Jazz3006]

Hey all,

I'm looking for just what the title says. Unfortunately, my google-foo has not been giving satisfactory results. More detailed requirements, in no particular order, are as follows:

• Desktop-sized
• Good sound (Preferably tested by Amir, since I like measurements)
• 2.1 output over RCA (I have an amp for the speakers and an amp for the sub already)
• Room correction built-in (Work PC means no ability to install software)
• Under $200
• Preamp output (multiple devices used and Windows likes to randomly go 100% vol)
• (Nice to have) Ability to add a touch screen interface and run standalone down the road

I am in no way afraid of DIY building and setup but would prefer something that, once running, is stable enough that I don't have to constantly fiddle with it.

I think the closest piece of hardware I have found for this is the Allo Piano found here: https://allo.com/sparky/piano-dac-2-1.html paired with an rPi, but I haven't figured out how to make it all play nice, since the Pi seems to be always set up as a streamer that can be connected to for music. I need a full time audio solution for all media consumption. I'm hoping you audio nerds (said with admiration) can help point me in the right direction here.


For reference, I am thinking about something like this combo with a Piano or similar attached to the back.

Thanks!

 

[LApstrE]

Minidsp 2x4 HD? The recommended Umik 1 might take it way out of budget, but you could potentially buy a dayton audio calibrated mic and keep the costs down?
Minidsp might work if you can loan a Windows, Mac or Linux machine for a day. Still may not work without specific USB drivers. Might be worth checking on specific minidsp threads in the forum.

 

[Jazz3006]

Minidsp 2x4 HD? The recommended Umik 1 might take it way out of budget, but you could potentially buy a dayton audio calibrated mic and keep the costs down?
Minidsp might work if you can loan a Windows, Mac or Linux machine for a day. Still may not work without specific USB drivers. Might be worth checking on specific minidsp threads in the forum.

I actually already have a Umik-1, so that helps. I have my own machine to do any sort of programming/configuration/tweaking, I just can't install stuff on the work machine, like drivers, for day to day operations. Sorry for not making it clear that I am trying to do this on two machines earlier.. I thought I had mentioned it.

 

[ad_fletch]

If you haven’t already solved this dilemma, may I humbly suggest you check out this thread I started.

TL;DR I came to the same conclusion as you - for a 2.1 DAC with some crossover control, there’s not much out there under $1k except the Piano 2.1 and the 2x4HD. The MiniDSP unit starts to get expensive if you add room correction firmware though, and you still need a computer of some sort to drive it.

My piano 2.1 is taking forever to arrive from Audiophonics, but happy to let you know how well it works once I get it. Currently happy with the Pi running moOde and a USB 2ch DAC.