The HRT music streamer II can be found for under $100 used. Goo as a starter allowing you to explor the DAC market. Alot of good $3-500 DACs available which will be offered on the future used market.
+1 Williewonka. The bitfrost is a good DAC but with USB may cost more than $300 used. Have not heard the Modi but would be tempted to try one as a starter DAC.
The iFi DAC recommendation is sound (no pun) and within budget new.
One additional thought, if you get a DAC with a coaxial input in addition to the USB, you can upgrade your digital source with use of a USB/SPDIF converter at a later date.
Good luck, let us know what you find.
+1 Williewonka. The bitfrost is a good DAC but with USB may cost more than $300 used. Have not heard the Modi but would be tempted to try one as a starter DAC.
The iFi DAC recommendation is sound (no pun) and within budget new.
One additional thought, if you get a DAC with a coaxial input in addition to the USB, you can upgrade your digital source with use of a USB/SPDIF converter at a later date.
Good luck, let us know what you find.