D/A converter for casual listening?

dane_peterson

Hey guys,
I have my HTPC running HDMI out to my TV, and I'd like to have some small bookshelves connected to it. Unfortunately, the stereo receiver I currently have (HK3380) only has analog inputs, and my Panasonic only outputs via Optical.

Suggestions?

zingo

PM sent

dane_peterson

Zingo,
Appreciate you looking out, but unfortunately that's not gonna work for me.

Just FYI guys, I'll likely be adding a 2nd HDMI source this Holiday season, which means I'll ideally need an optical->analog solution.

adam2434

How much are you wanting to spend?

Do you only need 1 optical input on the DAC? In other words, will the TV send the audio through a single optical output, independent of HDMI source?

Another option could be to ditch the stereo receiver and get a new A/V receiver with HDMI inputs, so that an external DAC is not needed. This would also give you the flexibility to easily add a sub and/or expand to surround sound if you felt like it down the road.

thsmith

I like my PS Audio DAC III. The Benchmark DAC 1 gets a lot of praise.

dane_peterson

adam2434 wrote: »

How much are you wanting to spend?

Do you only need 1 optical input on the DAC? In other words, will the TV send the audio through a single optical output, independent of HDMI source?

Another option could be to ditch the stereo receiver and get a new A/V receiver with HDMI inputs, so that an external DAC is not needed. This would also give you the flexibility to easily add a sub and/or expand to surround sound if you felt like it down the road.

I'm looking to spend as little as possible. And yes, I'd only need a single optical input.

This is all for my bedroom, and surround won't be an option. I've juggled the idea many times, but there's just no way my wife would allow speakers to sit on our nightstands or something.

My current receiver does have a sub out, which I may consider adding down the road. But this is going to be VERY budget. When I get around to doing a nice 5.1 setup, it will be more dedicated in the basement. I just want better audio than the built-in speakers. I'm currently modding a pair of the Insignia bookshelves for a friend, so if they turn out well, I might go that direction. No more than a couple hundred for the speakers--therefore a several hundred dollar DAC would be silly. I just didn't know if there might be any really cheap ones out there.

zingo

Optical in and RCA analog out for $214: http://www.pacificvalve.us/LITEDACAH.html

Since you are using an HTPC, wouldn't a USB DAC also work for you?

dane_peterson

USB will work, until I add a Bluray player and have another HDMI going to the TV. Though I suppose I could run analog out from the BD player to the amp...

adam2434

Here are a couple of the lowest cost DACs I've seen. I would imagine they would be adequate for TV viewing with inexpensive bookshelf speakers.

http://www.audio-magus.com/Super_Pro_DAC707SE_USB_p/109401.htm

http://www.ramelectronics.net/audio-video/audio-converters-extenders/analog-to-digital-digital-to-analog/digital-to-analog-converter-979r/prod979R.html#

Up from there, in the $200-300 range, I would look at the Beresford, offerings from Pacific Valve, Keces, Valab, Musical Fidelity V-DAC, or something used.