2. digital
  3. 175055-6917

Budget DAC recommendation for Office system

I have converted one of our bedrooms into an office and putting in a modest system. I currently have an AppleTV connected to a TV for the musical purpose of streaming Tidal. I am taking the optical output from the TV into an old Fosgate FAP-T1+ to act as a DAC into a refurbished Hartman Kardon 770 receiver that drives a pair of Onix Rocket RS150 speakers or Green Mountain Euopas. The Fosgate is too big and runs pretty warm . I am looking to replace that with a decent budget DAC. I am thinking about a Schiit Modi 3+, the new Modi e or maybe a used Musical Fidelity V-90 DAC.  I have high end systems in other rooms of the house so just looking for something decent here.

I welcome comments and alternate suggestions

tellefsen
erik_squires
15,632 posts
 

The ZDAC is a fabulous recommendation, used Mytek Brooklyn is another one but not as cheap.

I may also recommend you consider the NAD desktop sized integrateds.  Hybrid Class D/Class A/B amps and they sound pretty decent.  Much better than the first gen Master DAC

tellefsen OP
73 posts
 

Thanks. Good recommendations.  Any opinions  about the Schiit Modi 3?

Ag insider logo xs@2x
hk_fan
416 posts
 

I'll second the MyDac.  I will likely be putting mine up for sale soon as I no longer have an office system so it's just resting in a box.  It's a great unit and a fabulous bargain IMO.

 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
792 posts
 

I’ve been super happy with my Topping E30. It made a notable audible improvement from the stock DAC in my Denon, works well, and the remote is good.  What more could I ask from a $130 component?

soix
8,604 posts
 

I think you’ll be fine with the Modi 3, but I’d definitely pony up the extra 120 bucks to get the multibit version as that is their strength and probably adds a good dose of musicality and refinement.  Best of luck. 

More to discover