Question Which DAC to choose for Adam T7V

[Masrshy]

Hey Guys!

Need your help here.

I have recently chosen Adam T7V(was thinking about t8v, but there is quite low difference and no reason to pay more for my usage) for my setup. It will be used for listing to music from spotty and sometimes FLAC.

Which DAC should I choose for it? As I’m new to this stuff, wanna hear your opinions. Currently located in Latvia.

Thank you!

 

[Ugg10]

As per my response in your speaker thread, if using a pc then I would look for one with volume control as I personally like to keep the pc and app volumes as high as possible to reduce the possibility of them altering the signal.

the SMSL Sanskrit 10th looks good using an AK chip but you do need to use the second USB port to power it, using the pc power alone reduces performance.

a little higher up the tree and from the same designer as the Khadas is the Soncoz LAQXD1 with the ESS9038 Q2M chip, they have sorted the ESS hump and it has XLR ports.

and top of the tree would be the Audiolab MDAC but probably overkill for your application but would withstand an upgrade or two in speakers.

All really depends on budget.

 

[Masrshy]

As per my response in your speaker thread, if using a pc then I would look for one with volume control as I personally like to keep the pc and app volumes as high as possible to reduce the possibility of them altering the signal.

the SMSL Sanskrit 10th looks good using an AK chip but you do need to use the second USB port to power it, using the pc power alone reduces performance.

a little higher up the tree and from the same designer as the Khadas is the Soncoz LAQXD1 with the ESS9038 Q2M chip, they have sorted the ESS hump and it has XLR ports.

and top of the tree would be the Audiolab MDAC but probably overkill for your application but would withstand an upgrade or two in speakers.

All really depends on budget.

Thank you! Well i do not want go higher than 150 EUR.

What do you think about Focusrite solo 3rd gen? Is it a good option? Or PreSonus AudioBox iOne?

 

[dogfonos]

Amazon product

Amazon product

Amazon product

Amazon product

Fostex PC-100 USB-HR 2 black

USB 2.0 DA Converter and Monitor Controller 24-bit / 96 kHz, 2 RCA line outputs, 3.5mm stereo jack headphone output, Burr Brown converter chips, Handy stereo volume control, Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 70 mm, Weight: 190 g

www.thomann.de

USB DAC Digital to Analog Converter OPT/COAX Audio Decoder Adapter Headphone Amp | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for USB DAC Digital to Analog Converter OPT/COAX Audio Decoder Adapter Headphone Amp at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

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As with all DAC's with volume control, check that the volume control acts on the line out connections (to active speakers) rather than just the headphone output.

Or there's a two-part approach:

TC Electronic Level Pilot C Volume Controller at Gear4music

TC Electronic Level Pilot C Volume Controller at Gear4music

www.gear4music.com

use with...

Nobsound Mini ES9028 USB DAC D/A Audio Converter HiFi Headphone Amp 24Bit/96KHz | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Nobsound Mini ES9028 USB DAC D/A Audio Converter HiFi Headphone Amp 24Bit/96KHz at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Can't personally recommend any of these items as I've never used them.

 

[Paul7777x]

Within your budget, I’d say this one is the one to beat.

iFi Audio Zen DAC and Headphone Amplifier - Compact High-Res D/A Amp | eBay

en DAC and Headphone Amplifier from iFi Audio is a very easy to use device with Bluetooth built-in in a compact design, so it can just do it job without fuss.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Paul7777x]

Oddly enough, this morning brings a review of the Zen right here on AVF.

iFi Audio Zen DAC Review

Review of iFi Audio Zen DAC which can handle PCM to 24/384 and DSD to 256 via its USB-B connection.

www.avforums.com

Sounds like a bargain, and will make sure you get the best from your mighty fine Adams.