Small DIY USB DAC kits
EndersShadow
Posts: 17,687
OK, so here's the deal. I have a Audio GD NFB-5 DAC/headphone amp/pre that I am using with a tube amp right now for my 2 channel system.
The NFB's intended use was to be used with the mini-itx computer I build at work so I had a portable hi-fi rig. But I stumbled across something I very much want, a Yarland tube headphone amp.
But in order to use it I would need a DAC as its not a DAC/headphone amp combo like the NFB.
So I am hoping to find a small USB DAC of decent quality that I can find a way to put into my mini-itx computer build. I have a PCI-Express x 16 slot meant for a GPU that I am not using or planning on using so in theory I could use a computer soundcard, but I just think there has to be a decent kit out there that will be better. That and I know soundcards can introduce more noise into the system.
I am hoping to be able to keep the USB DAC all internal to the itx computer so I just have the two items on my desk rather than three. I planned to use a internal USB header so I can use a super short cord, but I am somewhat limited space wise in what I have to work with.
Thoughts/suggestions?
Here are some pics of how much space I have to work with:
The NFB's intended use was to be used with the mini-itx computer I build at work so I had a portable hi-fi rig. But I stumbled across something I very much want, a Yarland tube headphone amp.
But in order to use it I would need a DAC as its not a DAC/headphone amp combo like the NFB.
So I am hoping to find a small USB DAC of decent quality that I can find a way to put into my mini-itx computer build. I have a PCI-Express x 16 slot meant for a GPU that I am not using or planning on using so in theory I could use a computer soundcard, but I just think there has to be a decent kit out there that will be better. That and I know soundcards can introduce more noise into the system.
I am hoping to be able to keep the USB DAC all internal to the itx computer so I just have the two items on my desk rather than three. I planned to use a internal USB header so I can use a super short cord, but I am somewhat limited space wise in what I have to work with.
Thoughts/suggestions?
Here are some pics of how much space I have to work with:
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
Post edited by EndersShadow on
Comments
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Here are pics from just about 5 mins ago lol
I might not have enough room the more I look at it, so I might need to start looking at external DAC's lol..."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Drag**fly might be right up your alley.2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.
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what's up with the asterics in the messages? or is it just ** my system where I'm seeing some characters change to asteric after posting2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.
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Have you considered the ODAC from JDS Labs?
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blairfrischx wrote: »Have you considered the ODAC from JDS Labs?
Not really a fan. Had an O2 and it had issues and after having it looked at by a tech determined it would be my last product from him."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
Drag**fly might be right up your alley.
Thought about that, but still not huge fan of 3.5mm to RCA connections. Would prefer straight RCA connectors."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963) -
I'd recommend the Meridian Explorer. I don't share your concern about the 3.5m adapter though, and I'm a cable guy
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AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »I'd recommend the Meridian Explorer. I don't share your concern about the 3.5m adapter though, and I'm a cable guy
Will have to look at it then, although the Dragonfly is a little bit smaller and more portable. I REALLY like the concept & simplicity of the Halide DAC but not the price lol....
I might just have to get the Yarland and deal with a 3.5mm to RCA connection from my computers internal soundcard until I find something....
My main goal was to find something I could put internal in the computer and not be super expensive. At the price of the dragonfly and explorer I could get a external DAC.
I have the feeling that might not be possible :redface:."....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
