Better desktop DAC


Hi, I am looking for a better DAC in my home office system, to replace the Topping e30ii. It must be able to playback pure / direct DSD. The sound must be clearly better. Preferably a portable DAC, not a huge box. I am streaming through an ethernet-connected laptop and experience no problems, but may consider a new streaming solution too. Total budget; low to medium. Buying used is OK, as long as the DAC can handle DSD.

Suggestions welcome!

Ag insider logo xs@2xo_holter

I would contact Apos Audio. They sell topping and a lot of other desktop dacs, so they might be helpful in narrowing your search. 

With most fairly new DACs I can play DSD files packaged to PCM using DoP. How much do I need the true / direct DSD capability? I've thought, maybe not so much, since I can play direct DSD in my main system with my Teac NT-505 - no problem. But I have found that the ability to play direct DSD makes a big difference also in my low cost office system. A low cost DAC can sound much better, with pure or native DSD playback compared to standard PCM. 

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Total budget; low to medium.

That means absolutely nothing to anyone but you.  Just give us a number please. 

Here is the best option you can get, buy my exaSound. No bias at all :) 

Quad DSD capable, headphone output, 800 US for you to match the price of another one in there 

 exasound e22

I dont know much about dac being satisfied by the two i owned...

But check my last one a very small dap i uses as a fixed battery dac  at 200 bucks which read dsd  :

https://www.hidizs.net/products/ap80-pro-fully-balanced-lossless-music-player