Budget USB DAC

The Hagerman DAC USB DAC, the Chime is pretty expensive, so I think Kbuzz is refering to the HagUSB, which is similar to the "Thingy" mentioned by Jwmazur and converts a USB signal into a digital signal that can be input to a DAC. In the case of the HagUSB, RCA Coax and AES/EBU outputs are available. Both devices still require a DAC.

I have a few systems and one uses a HagUSB into a Slimdevices Transporter's RCA Coax digital input.

The Blue Circle Thingee is on back order too. Just like the Stereo Link. Angela from BC linked me to a dealer in IL.

I've checked the Hagerman web site before. Forgot to mention them. I've built kits before Kbuzz .. a Dynaco 410 amp. No problem soldering but it has been a while.

But I would still like to point out that the Hagerman and Blue Circle just convert the USB sugnal to a digital signal. You still need something to convert the digital to analog. The Stereo-link does the whole trick.

Also, cruise head-fi. There is a lot of info there on less expensive DACs.

Riffer ... this is from the Blue Circle web site:

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The USB Thingee

No, it doesn't have a tube in it. The tube is just for a visual reference.

The "USB Thingee" allows you to plug into your computer to access music files, internet radio and even DVD.

It can be used with the internal 24 bit DAC and output via headphone or line level to your stereo. For maximum sound quality you can use an external DAC via SPDTF or AES/EBU output.

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It does have analog L/R RCA output jacks, and a headphone jack. Am I missing "maximum sound quality"?

You are correct Riffer. I just went back in and re-read the UHF review on the Thingee. They were running the signal to another DAC.

Think I'll just go out and spend $20 on a Xitel HiFi-Link™ Audio Processor and be done with it.