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Can you guys recommend a cheapie temp DAC for use with Squeezebox Duet?

71.190.157.168
Posted on November 3, 2009 at 20:26:42
Gopher2K
Audiophile

Posts: 210
Location: NY
Joined: February 20, 2004
 I've got a Squeezebox Duet due to arrive thursday and an Eastern Electric DAC 001 (Sabre32 ES9018) preorder in the works--only problem is I'll be waiting 2 to 3 months for the EE.

I need a recommendation for something cheap I can use for a couple months until the big one gets here. Preferably something used that I can sell off for little or no loss.

I'm thinking in the $200 range topping at $300ish

Again, I want it to be re-sellable when I'm done.

FWIW I'd be happy with something musical and fun/enjoyable to listen to. I'm not looking for the ultimate in resolution and audiophile adjectives--this is just a temp fix to begin my media server adventure.

Also, I'm ordering a parts express linear psu tomorrow--I don't have the cash right now for a fancier one, but this should be a nice improvement for now--if its worth while I'll let Boulder mod it down the line.

EMU 0404 USB, posted on November 5, 2009 at 15:44:30
rbakedq
Audiophile

Posts: 81
Location: Westchester, NY
Joined: June 24, 2007
 In your price range. It is a very good DAC for the moneny, and when your new DAC comes in you can move the EMU over to you PC as an external USB sound card. You will than be able to do needle drops, live recording and any number of system tests etc. Have fun. oops didn't see bellow.

Rich

Thanks for the feedback guys--I bought a cheapie, posted on November 4, 2009 at 08:59:37
Gopher2K
Audiophile

Posts: 210
Location: NY
Joined: February 20, 2004
 The Mufi V-DAC looks interested, as has the Cambridge. I hadn't read too mcch about the PS Audio one before, but it looks like a monster.

I'll definitely see what the analog outs sound like--I mean... its free and will arrive before the dac. I also just purchased a super cheap DAC to try out, an Oritek modified Zhaolu D2 for $120 shipped. If nothing else it will give me a headphone out in my den.

If it sounds halfway decent I may just buy another used squeezebox and give it to my dad for his rig at home for Christmas (hopefully right around when I see my DAC).

Get a VDAC from mus. fidelity -- 51% chance you'll return the EE, posted on November 4, 2009 at 06:23:15
hukkfinn
Audiophile

Posts: 2827
Location: East Coast
Joined: July 19, 2002
 Hukk
radical suggestion, posted on November 4, 2009 at 05:44:32
mls-stl
Audiophile

Posts: 1621
Location: St. Louis
Joined: April 11, 2006
 Why not just use the analog outs on the Squeezebox while you're waiting for your real DAC to arrive?

I've got a SB3 in my main system with a Lavry DA-10 DAC and a Duet in my second system that just uses the analog out. While not as refined as the Lavry, the Duet output is pretty decent and certainly listenable. It would save you the hassle of making a short term purchase that you just have to turn around and dump.

RE: radical suggestion, posted on November 7, 2009 at 21:37:25
Julien43
Audiophile

Posts: 2572
Location: Western NC
Joined: May 5, 2001
Contributor
  Since: March 7, 2002
 I'm afraid that your suggestion is much too simple and practical
:~)
Julien
"There's someone in my head, but it's not me"
RE: Can you guys recommend a cheapie temp DAC for use with Squeezebox Duet?, posted on November 4, 2009 at 05:36:51
srdavis2000
Audiophile

Posts: 2063
Location: Deep South
Joined: January 11, 2003
Contributor
  Since: December 16, 2004
 Look at the Music Streamers. Art Dudley wrote about them in the last Stereophile.

RE: Can you guys recommend a cheapie temp DAC for use with Squeezebox Duet?, posted on November 3, 2009 at 21:59:07
Sunya
Audiophile

Posts: 386
Joined: July 11, 2007
 http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=18388

http://vintageking.com/TC-Electronic-Konnekt-8?sc=13&category=40154

RE: Can you guys recommend a cheapie temp DAC for use with Squeezebox Duet?, posted on November 3, 2009 at 21:00:06
littlebobby
Audiophile

Posts: 252
Location: Dallas
Joined: November 28, 2008
 I'll bet you could buy and sell a PS Audio Digital Link III for break-even, although it's beyond your budget. The ones as cheap as your budget might actually be harder to sell, but I'm really curous about the DAC-01 24BIT/96KHZ XIANG SHENG on eBay. It looks like it's the Grant Fidelity tube DAC but with a Chinese name.

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