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
OP, I have a Shek D2 (Sigtone) non oversampling Dac I bought new for just over 300 which has been used less than 100 hrs and a HagUsb converter that I bought new which cost 130 .. (Hagerman Technology)   would sell both for 200.    Went back and read more of your posts.   Schiit should work out and assume they have USB interface.  Wonder how Schiit compares with discontinued    Shek D2 ..   

both are listed -- on US Audio Mart.
Wanting to move some stuff out of here.

see my feedback on here.








Topping makes one of the best most transparent DACs under 500. You can't argue with the measurements being up there close to RMEs DAC that goes for 3k
@wcc10 Had to login and respond to your post. It's so funny I had the same dilemma as you couple months ago. I have a home theater room, a dedicated listening room where I have the Benchmark 3 DAC and my office where I have OPPO 105 (that I moved from my HT to office). I have my windows laptop connected to the dedicated USB input on my OPPO (I am assuming you have OPPO 105)? Sometime we take additional steps unnecessarily. The OPPO 105 has a very decent 2 channel dedicated ES9018 32 bit Sabre DAC that drives the USB capable of 2ch/192KHz sampling. I use the XLR to drive my powered speakers and the sound is very good. Form your laptop you can drive any music service that you subscribe to. Start with this and then invest in re-clockers, USB cables or better still USB to SDOF converteors  etc. Save your money and go slow without rushing.