Budget external DAC?

[pit5000]

Are there any really good external DAC's under $50?

Bonus if it's really small or silver/aluminum in color

[ShearMe]

Are there any really good external DAC's under $50?

Bonus if it's really small or silver/aluminum in color

 

Does it need to drive headphones or just a speaker, or would both be good?

 

Syba DAC

SMSL SD793-II

[pit5000]

Does it need to drive headphones or just a speaker, or would both be good?

Syba DAC

SMSL SD793-II

Headphones would be sufficient

[ShearMe]

Headphones would be sufficient

 

Either I linked would be good then. SYBA is USB-in only, SMSL is optical-in only. SMSL can get louder, but the Syba should be sufficient for most users.

[pit5000]

Either I linked would be good then. SYBA is USB-in only, SMSL is optical-in only. SMSL can get louder, but the Syba should be sufficient for most users.

syba looks interesting, what does the dial on top do exactly?

[ShearMe]

syba looks interesting, what does the dial on top do exactly?

It is the volume control.

[pit5000]

It is the volume control.

 

but whats the thing 44.1, 48, 96 khz? is that gain? and what's the TDB switch do?

[ShearMe]

but whats the thing 44.1, 48, 96 khz? is that gain? and what's the TDB switch do?

The kHz marks what setting you choose in windows - a little LED will light up under the black plastic.

The button on the front should switch between the front headphone jacks and the rear speaker jacks.

[Oktyabr]

Either I linked would be good then. SYBA is USB-in only, SMSL is optical-in only. SMSL can get louder, but the Syba should be sufficient for most users.

DAMN!  I never saw that SYBA model before.  Quite the value!  I just wish they would change the coaxial and optical interface from "out" to IN (and include a wallwart power option).

[pit5000]

The kHz marks what setting you choose in windows - a little LED will light up under the black plastic.

The button on the front should switch between the front headphone jacks and the rear speaker jacks.

 

how will the settings work with a Macbook?

[ShearMe]

I just wish they would change the coaxial and optical interface from "out" to IN (and include a wallwart power option).

Why? That's what the SMSL is for.

how will the settings work with a Macbook?

That I don't know. It comes with a driver disc which installs a control program, but that isn't required for most functionality.

[Oktyabr]

Why? That's what the SMSL is for.

 

I mean the existing model might be just what someone is looking for but a DAC?  I think it'd rather have a variety of digital inputs on it than outputs.  Ideally both, I suppose, but it wouldn't likely be much of a "budget" choice at that point.

[ShearMe]

it wouldn't likely be much of a "budget" choice at that point.

 

That was the point I was going to make if you tried to argue with me. Certainly there's more expensive options with all the ins and outs you'd need plus some.

[Oktyabr]

It's a neat device, and the price makes it very attractive!  But I mean... it's a DAC!  How many people have need for a DAC that only outputs digital, presumably to something else with a DAC already in it?  Maybe as a USB to optical converter or something I suppose...

[ShearMe]

How many people have need for a DAC that only outputs digital

 

... it doesn't only output digital. There's R/L RCA on the rear.

 

Oh, you're still talking about the SMSL, and you originally said you wanted digital inputs on it.... I derp'd.

 

The SD793-II's S/PDIF connections are inputs, not outputs.

how will the settings work with a Macbook?

 

[Oktyabr]

You're a real trooper, @ShearMe, no matter what anyone says about ya!  

[ShearMe]

You're a real trooper, @ShearMe, no matter what anyone says about ya!

...what do people say about me?

[pit5000]

@ShearMe this info is quite useful.

 

What is the input interface for the SMSL and how would it stack up against the Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB?

[ShearMe]

@ShearMe this info is quite useful.

What is the input interface for the SMSL and how would it stack up against the Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB?

The SMSL only has S/PDIF inputs - optical and coaxial.

Creative's USB soundcards have many "features" you probably don't need, plus they have a marketing budget to pay for. SMSL is a Chinese OEM, selling things nearly as cheap as they can. As such, I think the SMSL will have the better bang for your buck. Also, aluminum housing insured of plastic.

[pit5000]

The SMSL only has S/PDIF inputs - optical and coaxial.

Creative's USB soundcards have many "features" you probably don't need, plus they have a marketing budget to pay for. SMSL is a Chinese OEM, selling things nearly as cheap as they can. As such, I think the SMSL will have the better bang for your buck. Also, aluminum housing insured of plastic.

 

interesting, too bad my Macbook doesn't have optical output 

[ShearMe]

interesting, too bad my Macbook doesn't have optical output

I hate to mention the company, but the Schiit Fulla is 75 bucks if that's what budget you're looking at.

[pit5000]

I hate to mention the company, but the Schiit Fulla is 75 bucks if that's what budget you're looking at.

?? why hate to mention? bad company?

[Michael McAllister]

...what do people say about me?

 

You're a baaaad, baaaad sheep. 

[ShearMe]

?? why hate to mention? bad company?

Eh, the company itself isn't bad, but I choose not to give my money to the owner.

You're a baaaad, baaaad sheep.

You're such a flirt.

[pit5000]

Eh, the company itself isn't bad, but I choose not to give my money to the owner.

 

ok...

 

i just watched a video of somebody talking about audio products..., Schiit was among them... and holy crap. Is it really pronounced like that!??!