[StereoNut]

I realize there's a topic here on Cheap & Cheerful HiFi for "DAC's Under $450.00" but I want to take that down a few notches further.  I am on the verge of buying the latest version Audioquest Dragonfly v1.2 for $149.00.

http://www.audioquest.com/usb_digital_analog_converter/dragonfly-dac

Is there anything better for similar $$$ out there to consider or just go for the "fly" and be done with it?

SN

[kc8apf]

Depends. The Schiit Modi is $99 but doesn't include the headphone amp or volume control.  I haven't heard the dragonfly so I can't compare them.

[k6davis]

Going in a very different direction, I got tremendous results from the Schiit Loki DSD only DAC, which offers incredible sound quality period, but is an unbelievable bargain at only $149.

I used JRiver to upconvert all my PCM to DSD64 the fly for the Loki and in addition to it sounding great, I can't imagine doing better on the price/performance ratio.

There's a recent review on Audiostream.com and the author's experience was like mine.

[DZetye]

You might want to take a look at the iFi Nano DSD DAC which is shipping now.  It was just released at a retail price of $189 and does both PCM hires and 2xDSD.  I preordered it and should have it next week but I got tired of waiting for it and bought the Teac for a lot more money.  The Ifi has a volume control and headphone and line outputs.

[viggen]

Audioengine D3.  A few good reviews on amazon and computeraudiophile just gave it a positive review too.  I have it for about a month and find it very good sounding.  I never heard the AQ dac though.

[sabes]

ditto on the D3; i have the dragonfly (perfectly fine) and auditioned the meridian explorer against both playing out of my macbook air - d3 came out on top (explorer last!).

[StereoNut]

Thanks everyone!  I will have to check on the recco's here one by one and see what catches my eye. 

Have a very Merry Christmas!

SN