Up your audio game with these portable DACs

Depending on if you want to buy new or used, there are a number of DAC's in the - range that are excellent. Solitary1 , Sep 25, You know? I am trying to take the "next step" as opposed to skip to the end. So I am curious more about the increments of progressively better dac's because as I stated in the first post, I already know a nice DAC will make it sound better.

I just want to know at what cost level will I start hearing a difference and what cost level will start to reap no benefits with my current system. Man, the point of diminishing returns is a highly debatable subject. Going up the ladder, the PS Audio comes recommended by me also. I've heard, but can't confirm good things about the Wavelength Proton. Location: Chicago, Illinois. Shakey , Sep 25, Location: in the heart of Germany.

USB DAC review: Six compact components for upgrading your computer’s audio

There's a built-in rechargeable battery, too. Sonically, it's an exciting and entertaining performance that will improve your music on the move with minimum fuss. The majority of DACs and headphone amplifiers fitted to smartphones or laptops are cheap and not very good. Adding a dedicated DAC, no matter how small, can make all the difference.

Use this DAC instead of the headphone output on your computer and you'll notice improved weight and texture to your tunes, combined with a natural and subtle sound. All told, it's a supremely compact and convenient device that can be taken anywhere for an immediate musical boost. A cheaper alternative to the AudioQuest above is the Cyrus soundKey. Apple user? You'll need to buy a dedicated cable.

Sonically it affords your music space, detail, dynamics and transparency. And that's great for the size and money. Read the full review: Cyrus soundKey. And it delivers. It can convey power and scale when the music requires but has the finesse to make the most of the subtler passages, too. Battery life is around eight hours which makes it a decent companion for a commute or business trip while inputs include micro USB, optical and coaxial.

The only feature missing from Mojo's arsenal is Bluetooth, but we're prepared to give it some leeway because it sounds so good. Read the full review: Chord Mojo. Sonically, you won't be disappointed. There's a wide, believable soundstage, impressive detail levels, and good timing. It's not the last word in attack and drive but if you can handle that, there's not much else to quibble with here. The superb Hugo 2 features all the inputs and outputs you could realistically require from a product of this type, including digital optical, coaxial and mini-USB.

Music can also be fed to Hugo 2 via aptX Bluetooth. It simply arranges the pieces into a convincing whole where bass is balanced against treble in the most unforced and crystal-clear manner.

Can I Use a Mac Mini as a Music Server? | Sound & Vision

LOTS of free content available through Kodi, too. For no-frills applications, there's Foobar and of course VLC which plays practically anything you throw at it. Every time somebody mentions Mighty Mouse I almost expect Andy Kaufman to jump out of a bush and sing "here I come to save the day". I tried digital output first, and maybe it's my Acurus Act 3 the sound was bright for my tastes, too edgy kind of like the first time I heard a CD so I settled on RCA as it was softer.

I might even by-pass the PreAmp altogether and go direct, that should be interesting. This is also one of several methods that harks back to the original intent of " Thanks for taking the time to discuss this topic. Search form Search. Email us at AskSandV gmail. Log in or register to post comments. Mac Mini as a Music Server?


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Seeds on July 8, - pm. Thank you very much Al for your advice, as a matter of fact I purchased the Mini with the 2. Apple wouldn't be my preference Submitted by mtymous1 on July 8, - pm.


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Depending on what kind of system you purchased, install the necessary software. Edit to 2, Option B Submitted by mtymous1 on July 8, - pm. Why not just an Apple TV??

My Ultimate Desktop Audio Setup

Submitted by rhirschey on July 9, - am. Let me know if I am missing the point. Happy listening! Streaming Suck Submitted by jjster6 on July 9, - am. Ipod touch is better Submitted by palmharbor on July 10, - pm. Washington Post: Apple just updated the iPod. Does anyone care? Submitted by mtymous1 on July 16, - am. Here's a revised response of "Apple wouldn't be my preference. HOWEVER… While I completely understand that the overarching intent is to be able to simply access a digital media library from your phone, my argument against the Mac Mini is that for the same cost or less of any model, you can achieve a higher SQ throughput, plus more features than the Mini.

Arcam’s rPAC

Seeds on July 11, - pm. Submitted by mtymous1 on September 6, - pm. In response to mtymous1 Submitted by boulderskies on July 11, - am. I don't know about his content Submitted by mtymous1 on July 11, - am. Quick 'n Dirty Solution Submitted by mtymous1 on July 11, - am. Submitted by mtymous1 on July 11, - pm. If you're willing to liberate your iPhone, you should definitely look in to Kodi. The Update Submitted by James. Seeds on September 15, - pm. Computer Love Submitted by Paul E.

Get a massive improvement to your laptop and mobile audio with the pick of the new breed of DAC

Computer Love Details Submitted by mtymous1 on October 11, - pm. Preconfigured NUC Submitted by mtymous1 on March 21, - am. Submitted by Floridawilson on October 1, - am. Related Latest Reviews News. Can I Upmix Stereo Sound for a 5.