Need DAC comparable to OPPO BDP-83SE, or better, small size, USB OK, SPDIF coax...

After much research and listening I need to make a few changes to the plans one being looking into a bit higher end(sonically, reasonable cost) DAC. The e30 is great for a budget DAC but there seem to be others in the price range that are better, my budget will be around $300-500 for a good used DAC which should be more than enough. I might try an upgraded power supply for the e30, I tested several different phone chargers and USB ports on laptops and the HTPC, there were some differences.

I am going to get a Panasonic BD player as they seem to have the best upscaling of all and optical as well as digital audio on a HDMI port. The one I am getting is pretty cheap but has the same video processing as their most expensive one.

Looks like I will end up having no need for the HTPC, glad I did not spend much on it.

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I know some spend more on a set of interconnects than I will have in my whole system, whatever makes you happy or at least I hope it does. If audio was my primary hobby I would spend whatever it takes but I will be more than happy once the whole system is setup and in balance with each area doing the best it can to match the rest.

raam

Nice score! on the Panasonic.  The current production models do have the best upscaling capabilities.

Happy Listening!

Thanks, I actually missed the auction but more available so no worries. It is very compact and will do all I need of it, fit in a drawer when not in use, etc....Being in an RV has been a challenge in some ways, all ways actually but a fun one making it all work out the way it is coming together.

HUGE e30 DAC improvement running off a Li battery:) I am going to look at more DAC's and also into running the whole system off the fairly large RV battery setup which will be getting several times larger as I build the solar power system. I have a very good 1kw D class car audio amp I can use directly and the rest of the system, TV, PC, Modem/Router, tube amp, etc.....will need an inverter so looking into one just for those as all located at the end of the RV. I already have a long length of power cable I can run and the chassis on this is massive so it will make a perfect ground but I might just drive a ground rod in as well to tie the chassis to.

I will look into the car audio realm again for the 12v system, big capacitors. I have some so will use them and likely will have all the clean power I need for no additional cost over what I already have on hand.

I am learning as I go as realized years ago, "I know nothing", I have beliefs which are subject to change as I learn new information which I plan to continue until the end whenever that may come, I turned 70 today and feel more alive than ever:)

Rick

Happy Birthday! Rick