To the point. Current System - Primary nearfield listening sitting at desk. Occasionally sitting/laying down elsewhere in room. (15x20 normal ceilings.)
Audio Source PC via USB (Optical available), mostly Spotify, YouTube, Games.
Dac SMSL M100, AMP SMSL SA300, Speakers Micca RB42, Polk Audio PSW10 Sub
Looking for an upgrade on the dac/amp side of things (partly I feel like I could get better while still on a budget considering time passed, partly just want new shiny things, partly my DAC occasionally just stops working and I need to power off/on to get it back.)
Budget is $300 absolute total max, would prefer around $250. I have nothing against integrated but would like to have the flexibility to upgrade one piece at a time, and as far as full-sized receivers I used to do that with older Sony's but just don't have the space for one with my current setup.
Thought I had settled on the Fosi Audio ZD3 Dac and Fosi Audio ZA3 Amp. Buying from ebay can get both for about $240. They looked good together (to me) and thought it was time to try something new as all previous iterations for my desktop has been SMSL. Mostly good and no complaints, but a few "stop working sooner than I'd like" episodes.
I've done the unfortunate thing though and read/researched too much for too long and now worried about possible issues like the "audio echo" on the ZD3 or the "channel volume imbalance at low volumes" on the ZA3 plus comparing the SINAD charts of comparable equipment, (higher numbers are always better, right) I've paralyzed myself with edge case issues and FOMO.
So, I am humbly asking for input. You've got $250 to spend (maybe $50 more if you stretch the bills a little). You are fine with your speakers, sub, and source, just need a DAC/AMP, you would like separates, but an integrated that does it all just as good and then some for the same price would turn your head. Don't need anything that has Bluetooth or built in streaming but don't care if the new products have it. Will need a sub out on something. Doesn't necessarily need to be attractive or even match each other but would be nice. Remember "Shiny new thing" needs.
What's the best you can put together?
Audio Source PC via USB (Optical available), mostly Spotify, YouTube, Games.
Dac SMSL M100, AMP SMSL SA300, Speakers Micca RB42, Polk Audio PSW10 Sub
Looking for an upgrade on the dac/amp side of things (partly I feel like I could get better while still on a budget considering time passed, partly just want new shiny things, partly my DAC occasionally just stops working and I need to power off/on to get it back.)
Budget is $300 absolute total max, would prefer around $250. I have nothing against integrated but would like to have the flexibility to upgrade one piece at a time, and as far as full-sized receivers I used to do that with older Sony's but just don't have the space for one with my current setup.
Thought I had settled on the Fosi Audio ZD3 Dac and Fosi Audio ZA3 Amp. Buying from ebay can get both for about $240. They looked good together (to me) and thought it was time to try something new as all previous iterations for my desktop has been SMSL. Mostly good and no complaints, but a few "stop working sooner than I'd like" episodes.
I've done the unfortunate thing though and read/researched too much for too long and now worried about possible issues like the "audio echo" on the ZD3 or the "channel volume imbalance at low volumes" on the ZA3 plus comparing the SINAD charts of comparable equipment, (higher numbers are always better, right) I've paralyzed myself with edge case issues and FOMO.
So, I am humbly asking for input. You've got $250 to spend (maybe $50 more if you stretch the bills a little). You are fine with your speakers, sub, and source, just need a DAC/AMP, you would like separates, but an integrated that does it all just as good and then some for the same price would turn your head. Don't need anything that has Bluetooth or built in streaming but don't care if the new products have it. Will need a sub out on something. Doesn't necessarily need to be attractive or even match each other but would be nice. Remember "Shiny new thing" needs.
What's the best you can put together?