Bargain Basement, Giant Killing DACs for PC Audio

Yes, the Nuforce uDAC is a great device for what you describe, it really improves the sound from a laptop while traveling and it takes up almost no space. As a DAC, I wouldn't describe it as a giant killer but it is a real bargain, either as a DAC or a cheap preamp.

I would describe the Aune SE and the Beresford 7520 with the upgraded opamps as giant killers at their prices. I bought the Beresford after my local high-end shop salesman admitted he had a hard time selling any of his more expensive DAC's after customers listened to the Beresford. I'd like to hear some of the new, more expensive DAC's like the Wyred or the Burson but I'm pretty happy with the Beresford for now.

If you are looking primarily for PC audio, I'd suggest going with something that has async USB that can handle hi-res files (24/96 or even better 24/192). Otherwise you could invest in a USB-SPDIF converter, such as the M2Tech HiFace. Musical Fidelity just came out with a USB-SPDIF converter around the same price as the HiFace, and there are more expensive options out there as well.

Under $1000, I don't know of DACs with asynch USB other than the HRT Streamer line. I have tried all of the current models, and liked each one a lot. They are limited to 24/96 though.

Under $1000 without async USB, the below DACs are getting great reviews:
Eastern Electric DAC (you can choose between tube and solid state output. Had this in my system, and thought it was great for the price).
Wyred4Sound DAC1 (had the very similar $1500 DAC 2 in my system and it was only barely edged out by the Weiss DAC2 I currently use).
Rega DAC
Musical Fidelity's new M1 DAC

Audio GD also has a devoted following as well. But not familiar with the different models available at the moment.

A number of these can be bought from online dealers who offer a 30 day or so trial period if you are not able to audition locally.

I like my Rega. Using it to listen to CD's presently, but plan to get a USB/SPDIF adaptor pretty soon. Very musical DAC. I'm rediscovering my CD collection after going with vinyl for a couple of years.

Don't know if you call it a nargain basement dac but it is a GIANT killer and that's the Teddy DAC. Do a search and if you get a chance go hear one, it's just wonderful!

Hello Everyone,

Ahead of this holiday weekend, my mind is wandering again to "Bargain Basement, Giant Killing DACs" where I am amazed to see that > 8 years have passed since I first posted this thread.

I don't remember if I had yet purchased what has become my daily driver for PC and television:  an Antelope Audio Zodiac +.  Generally, I love using it as a DAC and a preamp when I am at my desk for long hours.

As an experiment (and reviewing SFAR's suggestion) I also dug out an old NuForce UDAC from storage with some decent cables and plugged it into my same system. 

Although I always enjoyed traveling with that device for laptops and headphones on airplanes etc, it sounds very hard, less spacious and instantly fatiguing compared to the Zodiac - at least on my desktop with near field monitors.  So back to the Giant Killers! 

Maybe 8 years later, there are some new ideas or even lower prices on previous suggestions?  Would love to know, especially with basic switching / attenuation to eliminate the need for a preamp.  Extra credit for DSD.

cwlondon