[Atlplasma]

Here's a 24 bit/192 kHz dac (pretty bare but with a transformer for AC power) for $99 plus shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120371254164&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it. I tried google but really couldn't come up with much on it.

[kyrill]

worth the price?

I think  triple yes if you are content with 99 dollar sound

i would rather  know how it sounds disregard of price

It looks very promising but almost too good be true for that price  aa

[bunnyma357]

Can't comment on that DAC, but I did buy a Zero DAC from that seller and the transaction was very smooth - have been very happy with the Zero DAC which was fully built, not a kit and is available from many eBay sellers.

Jim C

[Atlplasma]

Can't comment on that DAC, but I did buy a Zero DAC from that seller and the transaction was very smooth - have been very happy with the Zero DAC which was fully built, not a kit and is available from many eBay sellers.

Jim C

The Zero DAC looks nice, but I need USB. I'm not planning to use the DAC for critical listening. I'm experimenting with converting an first-generation Mac Mini into a music server and use a USB DAC to make it happen. (This model does not have the Toslink out.) I've also been looking a DIY kits but finding time to put one together might be an issue.

[bunnyma357]

The Zero DAC looks nice, but I need USB. I'm not planning to use the DAC for critical listening. I'm experimenting with converting an first-generation Mac Mini into a music server and use a USB DAC to make it happen. (This model does not have the Toslink out.) I've also been looking a DIY kits but finding time to put one together might be an issue.

I have a couple of Powerbooks that I am using as Music Servers using USB to an ADS Tech Instant Music DAC/ADC. It is a cheap low end device, but works very well for me in non-critical systems (basement & garage). It converts USB to Analog and also to Optical, and also can convert Optical or Analog to USB, so it is both an input and output device. I don't use the included software, so I can't say how well that works.

http://www.amazon.com/ADS-Tech-RDX-151-EF-Instant-Music/dp/B000AOIO5O/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233945930&sr=1-45

Limited to CD quality as the Max Resolution, so won't handle higher sample rate or bit depths.

Jim C

[dwk]

That's actually an interesting setup. The modular approach looks like it would allow all sorts of experimentation. Tempting to pick one up just to play with - the unit without the xformer is only $110 shipped......

[Rashiki]

One thing to keep in mind is that the PCM2902 USB receiver in this equipment is limited to 16-bit/48 kHz, so you won't be able to play high-res music over USB.

 -Rob

[Atlplasma]

I guess my expectations for USB playback from a computer aren't that high, but thanks for pointing out that detail (since the manufacturer certainly didn't). 

I supposed you could put the DAC between a CD player and receiver and experiment with its affect on SACD and DVD-A playback.

[kyrill]

i mailed someone who bought the dac. this is his reply
 
"Hi
I have used it (stand alone; a temporary wire-up in a cardboard box, for goodness sake) connected to a marantz63, creek50 and roksan candy it improves on them all though it was a close thing with the roksan. I am now installing it into the back of a marantz4000 wich has turned it from mediocre to fantastic by its introduction. I have compared the DAC directly with the cambrdge dacmagic 2 and the alchemist, it knocks the spots off both of them.

 It is difficult to describe the improvement other than saying it is just nicer to listen to. It gives the music more bite without giving you a headache in turn. Although it is the best DAC I have heard, I am still looking for better but I think the budget is going to get a bit steep. I better not tell the wife!
Regards
Les "