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I need DAC help

I'm older and not up to date on all the latest technology. I simply want to be able to play various internet radio stations through my hifi. Maybe more streaming stuff after I figure out what I'm doing. My laptop has USB ports. My question is this.

Can I just get a dac with usb input and connect that via dac rca output to aux rca input on my preamp? Select a internet station on my laptop and sit back and enjoy the tunes or do I need software for my laptop or anything special to get this going. Please, if there are responses to assist me make it laymans terms.

Thanks
rides2work
rides2work OP
6 posts
 
thanks guys, I think I've got it. I'll just have to find out which dac will work with windows 8. After I get everything hooked up and operational I'll play around, get familiar with use and then on to the next step. If you have suggestions for a unit $1,000 and under I would be thrilled to have your input.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Call Music Direct. They sell many popular DACs and can advise on drivers. There are many DACs for under $500 new. For internet radio I would not spend more. Good luck.
williewonka
3,131 posts
 
I have the Schiit Bifrost DAC with the asynchronous USB-2 and the UBER analogue upgrade - comes in at around $600

They also have a balanced model called the Gungnir for around $850
See https://schiit.com/

I can only talk to the Bifrost, which excels when you add a good power cord like the Silver Resolution from Signal came and a good interconnect - again the Silver Resolution series from Signal Cable is a good choice.

I did audition DACs from Wadia, Chord and Mytek - all above $1300, but found the Bifrost to match or exceed their performance.

Granted, adding good cables to any DAC will upgrade it's performance, but the Bifrost has demonstrated that it can provide extremely good sound.

I have completed several tweaks to the interconnect and power cables I use and every time the Bifrost has improved significantly each time - it's a keeper :-)

Hope this helps
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,330 posts
 
Rides2Work - $1000 for a DAC is a very nice budget. Of course there will be some who sniff dismissively at the paltry sum. Might want to save some of those $ for a decent USB cable. Good values are out there for DAC and cable.

I agree with Willie on the Schiit products. A Gungnir is where I went after the V-DAC.

Plenty of info and comparisons on the internet. See stuff by John Darko Digital Audio Review.

Good luck and have fun.
williewonka
3,131 posts
 
Ghosthouse - good call on the usb cable - I forgot about that

FWIW - I just had a friend try my 1 meter DH Labs USB priced at $70 - he's now selling his Kimber Silver USB 2 meter cable priced at $299 - we both agreed the DH Labs was more detailed and smoother.

DH Labs seem to make pretty darn good products for a reasonable price - My DH Labs Optical cable blew my Chord optical cable away.

What power cable are you using on the Gungnir - stock or third party?

regards...
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