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USB DAC question for neutral setup. Please help.

Hi

I have PC based stereo setup and i mostly use Flac/WAV files. My setup is fairly neutral, rather lacking on energy/excitement.

I am looking a good USB DAC in $600 price range, used or new, that can help improve the overall system and also impart some energy to it.

My top choices are Concero ($400used), Concero HD ($600used), Centrance Dacmini ($500 used), AMI Musik DDH-1($500 new).

These are the main ones, i am open to suggestions for others within this price too.

Audition is not an option so i need some help in deciding what to do?

Needs to go along with the setup and improve it also impart some energy.

Regards
adurlabhji
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
How about the Wyred4Sound, or iFi? Take a look.

Alternatively, a Benchmark DAC1 is likely in that price range and rather lively. An older option, but might be a good one nevertheless.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but much of the sound quality with computer audio comes from setup and configuration. Things like ripping and playback software have an effect on SQ. Having the software isn't enough. It needs to be properly set up.
adurlabhji OP
8 posts
 
Hi!

Thanks for all your suggestions and help.
I have tweaked my pc and setup quite a bit already.
For the dac, i am getting a good deal on AMI Musik DS5.

Any one here who has used it? Comparison to the concero?

Regards
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
Haven't even seen the name.
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
iFi Micro DSD seems popular at $499, intended as headphone amp but can do double duty as DAC to system
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