Home Digital Drive

Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

Dealing with an emergency




While working from home, I use a desktop system consisting of mini-Maggies driven by a Dayton BTA-120 amp and a powered subwoofer. It's quite a nice setup with two DACs, a Schitt Mani from one computer, and a Aune T1 for the other computer (switched to the amp by a passive Schitt switch and volume control). However, one channel on my Aune DAC has failed (low gain, but not inaudible), possibly because of a bad 6922 tube. Yes, a replacement tube is on order, but what to do in the meantime? Of course, like any other inmate in good standing, I have a parts/cord box into which one can delve in emergencies. Out came a USB-powered DAC with RCA outputs, a Signstek DAC (costs pennies), found at https://bestreviewgeek.com/best-usb-dac/ using a TI PCM2704 chip.

Desktop system restored. And it even has a headphone amp capable of driving my HiFiMan HE400 planar headphones.

Audiophile approved? Maybe not. But I can work (and Zoom) with my Magnapan speakers and music collection. And it sounds rather good.

So, if you need a backup, USB-powered DAC, this is one to consider.


This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Parts Connexion  


Topic - Dealing with an emergency - svisner 15:55:38 12/16/20 (9)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.