What DAC do you recommend?

[Enderman]

Not the regular headphone DAC, it needs to have XLR or 1/4" balanced left and right outputs, and USB connectivity.

You dont need to recommend a specific model, even what brands are good or bad will help me decide.

 

This will be for a pair of A8X speakers.

 

This is pro audio, not consumer stuff, but I would prefer if the cost is <$200 or even 100 if thats possible

Something like this:

 

Oh and bonus points if its white

Thanks!

[Lays]

Do you specifically need a DAC? or an Amp & DAC?

[Enderman]

Do you specifically need a DAC? or an Amp & DAC?

just a DAC

the speakers are powered

 

I just dont want any EMI from my onboard audio (because that would make $2000 speakers pointless), and there are no cheap sound cards with XLR out

[paprikman]

Behringer, ART, Vox are the best brands in this category.

I would stick to the Behringer ma 400 (micromon). I currently use this one, very good performance for such price.

[Lays]

just a DAC

the speakers are powered

 

I just dont want any EMI from my onboard audio (because that would make $2000 speakers pointless), and there are no cheap sound cards with XLR out

 

 

I'm not entirely sure you'll be able to find a good quality DAC with all those features for less than $200, once you add balanced things into the equation price usually goes up quite a bit.

 

I will have a look around though and see if I can find stuff.

[dylan43270]

Cheapest and closest I could find to white is the Cambridge Audio Azur DacMagic Plus in silver

 

Why don't you go from DAC to audio interface to speakers?

 Edit: was not aware that audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 had an internal DAC. Probably the best budget option.

[Lays]

@Enderman

 

This is a bit out of budget, but it has fantastic reviews:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Emotiva-Audio-DC-1-Balanced-Differential/dp/B00FBQ84F6

You might be able to find a used one for like $300 on head-fi or craigslist, but I am not sure.

 

Maybe the TEAC UD-301 if you can find it used as well.

[infamous_last]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, I use it for my (powered) JBL 305s to kill off line noise, mostly generated by the GPU.

• It's cheap (compared to other offerings)
• Provides dual balanced 1/4 (TRS) outputs
• USB and shows up as a Audio device.
• Separate output and volume control for headphone.
• An additional 2 TRS front inputs, designed for instrument recording etc, but can be used for a decent mic, or mixing in additional sources (I used music off my iPad sometimes).
• Focusrite is a quality audio brand with a wealth of experience in these devices for professional purposes (may or may not be a deciding factor).

[Enderman]

@Enderman

 

This is a bit out of budget, but it has fantastic reviews:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Emotiva-Audio-DC-1-Balanced-Differential/dp/B00FBQ84F6

 

 

You might be able to find a used one for like $300 on head-fi or craigslist, but I am not sure.

oh wow lol

thats way too much but thanks ill look into that brand some more

seems like they have other options for less than $300 too

[Lays]

oh wow lol

thats way too much but thanks ill look into that brand some more

 

Yeah when you start talking about a DAC with all those features the price generally goes through the roof.

 

I'd say check out that focusrite thing and see if it fits your needs.

[dylan43270]

found one for $260

 

Emotivas are nice. The XDA-2 would work as well, and is $300.

[Guest]

 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, I use it for my (powered) JBL 305s to kill off line noise, mostly generated by the GPU.

• It's cheap (compared to other offerings)
• Provides dual balanced 1/4 (TRS) outputs
• USB and shows up as a Audio device.
• Separate output and volume control for headphone.
• An additional 2 TRS front inputs, designed for instrument recording etc, but can be used for a decent mic, or mixing in additional sources (I used music off my iPad sometimes).
• Focusrite is a quality audio brand with a wealth of experience in these devices for professional purposes (may or may not be a deciding factor).

 

 

This.