If you go optical then I'd suggest (in this price range) to go with something that has a solid track record like Benchmark (hard to find used at a significant discount - kind of the Bryston of DAC's - good value for money). Unless you have to be on the bleeding edge it is probably a safe bet for many years of happy listening.
To DAC or not to DAC...
I am looking to build a high fidelity audio server that would connect to a tube amp.
The amp has only analog inputs, so after doing some research it seems that the best bet in getting good sound out of the computer would be an external DAC.
I have some music in 24bit format, so USB DAC is out of question(16bit output,only), optical seems to be the way of getting bit-perfect output.
Is this scenario the best one for my needs? According to my research, yes. But I would like some input.
A good DAC can cost up to 20k USD, but I am looking for something in range of 1000USD and under. Recommendations are HIGHLY praised!
mike
The amp has only analog inputs, so after doing some research it seems that the best bet in getting good sound out of the computer would be an external DAC.
I have some music in 24bit format, so USB DAC is out of question(16bit output,only), optical seems to be the way of getting bit-perfect output.
Is this scenario the best one for my needs? According to my research, yes. But I would like some input.
A good DAC can cost up to 20k USD, but I am looking for something in range of 1000USD and under. Recommendations are HIGHLY praised!
mike