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DAC's Streamer and Preamps

I have been searching for a DAC for a while now.  In the meantime I have been using a laptop plugged into my preamp until I decide on the DAC I want.  I definitely know this isn't optimal. In my search I have been looking at individual DAC's, DAC's with preamps or volume control,  DAC's  with streamers built in and sometimes all three.  I wanted to throw it out there and find out what people's preference is?  I know previously having everything separate was the best way to go but because of technology things has changed a bit.  What are your thoughts?

brbrock

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
6,439 posts
 

I used my PC’s headphone out to audio in to stream music videos in my office for many years, then I found out here about an inexpensive Topping DAC for only $110. It’s usb out of desktop or laptop to DAC, RCA out of DAC to RCA IN of .....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F54TT79?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

I needed a USB extender, didn’t change the sound, just gave me location options

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P0ES0YE?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_4&th=1

Far superior sound, and stronger signal to my little tube amp.

 

elliottbnewcombjr
6,439 posts
 

It never hurts to start with an inexpensive piece that sounds surprisingly nice, 'good enough' to start, for future emergencies, loan to friends .... and you have it to compare/prove something you try sounds better.

I have a Pyle $16. MM RIAA phono stage, I used it with a Carver Cube Amp while choosing a new integrated for my office.

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B00025742A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11SZ0JKA15N38&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PLwpKKGtxN3x-NcMSv1TZKRucyMVf-lMs2FZUXdDz-VV6nKjWwCpdio4n2VdaUEyzYTuIT5zyFOJ5FsHZLNglKTfol_Dv6ggJ3zX9NEXuE7bz288e7LmJs52SQMVWLBWdiDVzfvXANXG8OgvDQ47v74gI-gi4ZKOchVb5eITkSDcVdathTnZ4Vd9k2jRwQOMKE_aJ4M5EZRs1wtsF3MpLxe3pxr35gajWzdYIHRDDrk.A9_44wVPihCfwlcBFcyVUpJgC5t_G48_Y0uChUFaflw&dib_tag=se&keywords=pyle+phono&qid=1763526598&sprefix=pyle+phono%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

I tried/compared and returned 3 highly respected mid-priced phono stages to it, finally the phono in my Little Luxman Tube Integrated sounds better to me.

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