DAC to use with my iMAC?

albireo13 · « **on:** 26 Jan 2016, 11:48 am »

In our bedroom I have a stereo amp hanging off our iMAC driving a pair of Energy RC-10 speakers. It is used for casual music and background, when we work on the computer. The amp is fed analog from the headphones output on the MAC.

I want to improve the audio quality and find a decent, basic DAC to use. One problem I want to solve is to get rid of hum, and digital noise I seem to have with the analog connections.

Anyway, is there a good DAC for $100 or less? This is not an audiophile system so, I don't need high-end.
Should I look for USB DAC or TOSLink DAC?

Thx,
Rob

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Jan 2016, 11:58 am »

I enjoyed my time with both the Audioquest Dragonfly and HRT Music Streamer USB DAC's.

Both would improve sound quality I don't doubt.

As for the noise, is it constant or variable?

srb · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Jan 2016, 04:15 pm »

The Schiit Modi 2 is a USA-made USB DAC with 2-year warranty for $99. It should work fine for your application, and a USB-powered DAC doesn't need an external wall wart power supply.

There is a 15-day return, but it does require a 15% restocking fee + return shipping, however chances are you will be happy with it.

Steve

Doublej · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Jan 2016, 06:30 pm »

I'd wait for the new Audioquest Dragonfly that is due out at $99.

Vincent Kars · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Jan 2016, 08:30 pm »

The hum might be an earth loop.
Try PC and amp plugged in the same block.
Toslink is a fully galvanic isolated connection between PC and DAC (plastic fiber).
Might solve this problem as well (if the amp without any connection to the PC stops humming)

albireo13 · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jan 2016, 05:29 pm »

Yes, the noise seems to be a ground loop, or earth loop. It is actually not a hum but, noise from digital activity. You can hear a low level "chatter" going on that changes with processor activity.
A TOSlink solution would probably be best.