This product helps fill the gap in quality-DACs priced up to around $1,000. Cambridge Audio also recently announced a product in this category, the DAC Magic. I had been using a Xitel HIFI Link USB audio device until I found a good used Stello DA-220.
The S/PDIF header feeds this device with a bitstream, which is converted to an analog signal within the DAC. All digital devices that output an analog signal have a DAC, but they're usually very cheap and it seems difficult for manufacturers to translate what makes a good DAC in to sales speak. It's much more than just a chip.
I've been dying to get a USB DAC since I listen to all my Apple Lossless iTunes files on a high end stereo, but I know the internal DAC on my laptop sucks.
What do you guys think -- is this a good option for those who don't want to spend $1,000?
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This product helps fill the gap in quality-DACs priced up to around $1,000. Cambridge Audio also recently announced a product in this category, the DAC Magic. I had been using a Xitel HIFI Link USB audio device until I found a good used Stello DA-220.
The S/PDIF header feeds this device with a bitstream, which is converted to an analog signal within the DAC. All digital devices that output an analog signal have a DAC, but they're usually very cheap and it seems difficult for manufacturers to translate what makes a good DAC in to sales speak. It's much more than just a chip.
I've been dying to get a USB DAC since I listen to all my Apple Lossless iTunes files on a high end stereo, but I know the internal DAC on my laptop sucks.
What do you guys think -- is this a good option for those who don't want to spend $1,000?