Best Value eARC DAC

[ScottishTapWater]

I’ve currently got a cheap as all hell optical dac that powers some pretty nice bookshelf speakers. However, it’s started having some problems and I think it’s going to die soon.

 

What would be some recommendations for good value eARC DACs in the £150-300 range?

[saintlouisbagels]

22 hours ago, ScottishTapWater said:

optical dac that powers some pretty nice bookshelf speakers

This sentence doesn't make sense.

Are you using powered bookshelf speakers and your DAC is feeding it audio?

Are you using passive bookshelf speakers and your DAC is feeding your speaker amplifier? Or are you just talking about an integrated amplifier?

 

Anyways, the SMSL A50 is an integrated amplifier for 80 USD
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-A50-PRO-2-1-Channel-adjustable/dp/B0D1G7R489/

 

and.... I have no more recommendations.

HDMI ARC on speaker amplifier is not common since it's a very niche feature outside of home theater setups. Why do you need ARC ? Presumably you're sitting close enough to the interface to reach the volume knob, or it probably came with its own remote. eARC is for Dolby Atmos and again you would be looking into home theater receivers.

 

There's the WiiM Amp for 300 USD but you probably weren't expecting to spend your entire budget.
https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Amp-Multiroom-Streaming-Chromecast/dp/B0CGCLXH4H/

 

Otherwise you can try your hand at finding a home theater receiver

[ScottishTapWater]

17 hours ago, saintlouisbagels said:

This sentence doesn't make sense.

Are you using powered bookshelf speakers and your DAC is feeding it audio?

Are you using passive bookshelf speakers and your DAC is feeding your speaker amplifier? Or are you just talking about an integrated amplifier?

 

Anyways, the SMSL A50 is an integrated amplifier for 80 USD
https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-A50-PRO-2-1-Channel-adjustable/dp/B0D1G7R489/

 

and.... I have no more recommendations.

HDMI ARC on speaker amplifier is not common since it's a very niche feature outside of home theater setups. Why do you need ARC ? Presumably you're sitting close enough to the interface to reach the volume knob, or it probably came with its own remote. eARC is for Dolby Atmos and again you would be looking into home theater receivers.

 

There's the WiiM Amp for 300 USD but you probably weren't expecting to spend your entire budget.
https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Amp-Multiroom-Streaming-Chromecast/dp/B0CGCLXH4H/

 

Otherwise you can try your hand at finding a home theater receiver

The bookshelf speakers are powered, so is the DAC. The DAC connects to my TV with an optical cable. When I said “powered” I was using the term loosely to mean, feeds them audio. Apologies for the confusion.

 

I don’t *need* ARC, per-se but some of the features like automatic lip sync correction sound nice when I’m looking to upgrade anyway. Also, having separate remotes for my speakers and TV is an undeniable faff.

[ScottishTapWater]

Turns out I didn’t want an eARC DAC, I just wanted an eARC to RCA converter