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Low Cost DACs

Currently I have my laptop connected directly via 1/8 jack from headphone outlet into 2 RCAs directly into my tube amp. Quality of sound is lacking to say the least!
I am considering adding an inexpensive DAC ( iFi AUDIO nano iDSD LE Portable DAC  or iFi Audio nano iOne DAC ) into the stream between the laptop & amp.My question is: will this influence the overall sound I'll hear out of my speakers? Will adding such a DAC help to increase the quality of sound produced by the system?
I'm not interested in spending a lot of money on a DAC as this is a source that I don't use as much as some others already in the system.
wcc10
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
To be honest, I had a pair of MIT "Terminator" speaker cables which were good. but am now running AudioQuest spooled 14 AWG "Zip" cables and never been happier. I'm sure their USB cables are very good!
grinnell
1,077 posts
 
nice list of DACs
https://darko.audio/the-darko-dac-index/
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
So Modi 3 arrived today. Attempted to hook up with old Windows 7 laptop. Would not install even though there was software for Win 7, Drivers included. I kept getting error message "Please Connect The Cemedia USB20 Device." ?? Tried Cemida drivers, etc, no dice!
After much trial & tribulation, and many attempts at installing various drivers, I finally got the "Gen 2" version of Modi 2 to install.So it plays but I've got to say; IT DON"T SOUND NO BETTER THAN BEFORE!
USB to Modi, RCAs to amp.
VERY Disappointed! Maybe with Gen 3 drivers would sound better but don't see how to install.Guess I'll sleep on it and see what's what over the week end.
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
So upon further review, swapping out RCA cables & perhaps the unit burned in a little, I have to say that yes this laptop does sound better with this DAC. Soundstage is 'wider' and a little deeper. Doesn't match my OPPO or vinyl but it obviously enhances Laptop audio.Just heard from Alexander at Schiit Audio. Seems I misunderstood Gen 3 download for drivers for Modi 3. They are not. He said plugging in the USB power should get it to work. I am using an external power supply but it's funny that it did not work BEFORE I ran Gen 2 software. Go figure!.

rego
378 posts
 
wcc10, Windows is not detecting the USB connection.
"Please Connect The Cmedia USB 2.0 Device."
Disconnect the Modi DAC. And uninstall the drivers that you installed.
Restart after each uninstall / install with Windows 7.
After Uninstalling any installed drivers Reconnect the Modi USB Cable
and see if Windows ’detects’ Schiit USB Audio device.
If Schiit Audio USB Device is not on the ’Playback’ List then proceed to install Gen 2-3 drivers from the link on Schiit Audio website Downloads.
Links for three different versions ( v 1.16, v1.03, and Gen 3 ) for Windows 7 / 8 are available at schiit.com / drivers.
Please refer to Schiit Downloads Page for procedure and troubleshooting.
To check this open Sound > Playback Tab in Control Panel.
If Schiit USB Audio device is on the list be sure to select and Set as Default.
>> Important <<
Also check the Properties setting.
Control Panel > Sound > Playback Schiit USB Audio device > Properties > Advanced TAB > Select Format Sample Rate and Set the Sample Rate
to 24 / 192.
The Sample Rate Setting in Windows will effect the Output!
Also any Player settings! As per Schiit’s notes.
Gen 3 Drivers are necessary for Schiit’s Unison USB hardware and likely would not impart any difference in Sound.
This is sNeezy eZ no trial or tribulation is necessary.













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