Budget USB DAC for Computer Question. (Question answered thanks)

thebadmachine on 08/06/2019 - 18:23
Last edited 09/06/2019 - 15:53

Hi again,
I currently have a pair of powered speakers hooked up with AUX to PC’s 3.5mm port & use Foobar with wasapi plugin, and was thinking a good cheap upgrade to the sound would be a USB DAC.

I am looking at either:
- Schiit Modi 3 or
- Audioquest Dragonfly Black.
The difference being the Dragonfly has a small built-in amp.

I would like to continue control the volume in Foobar, and reviews/questions on Amazon say the Schiit Modi is capable of this. (Must be similar to an ‘external soundcard’ only with better DAC / internals)

So I’m thinking the Schiit Modi would be a more pure source (simpler circuitry), therefore it may perform better with the powered speakers.
The extra amplification of the Dragonfly I think may affect the signal & is probably more suited for headphone users, although the all in one aspect may be better for the signal (direct into USB with 3.5mm out on-board), while the Schiit Modi uses a USB cable in between the computer and DAC.

Which is more suitable for powered speakers?
If owners of either or both DACs could care to comment that would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • cille745 on 08/06/2019 - 18:58

    What speakers? Depends on what you have

    • thebadmachine on 08/06/2019 - 19:31

      I’d prefer to keep it as ‘powered speakers’ as I may be changing them around.
      But essentially would you say you need the Dragonfly with built-in amp, if the speakers have an amplifier on-board already?
      (I know many headphones users use the Dragonfly to drive their ‘passive’ Headphones)
      I am quite happy with volume levels as they are currently from the computers sound-card.
      The price for Schiit Modi 3 and Dragonfly Black are quite similar, therefore I am curious if the simpler all-in-one design / connection of the Dragonfly will surpass the Schiit Modi 3 even though the Schiit is a pure DAC.

    • thebadmachine on 08/06/2019 - 19:36

      Or is the Dragonfly more a niche product (compact all-in-one) and the Schiit Modi a more reliable day to day product with very little compromises (size / weight) made to achieve the function of a DAC.
      (Part of me worries the little Dragonfly will fail sooner)

  • frondono on 08/06/2019 - 22:28

    If you want to get even more confused have a look at Audio-gd. NFB-11 or the newer version would fit the bill.

    • thebadmachine on 08/06/2019 - 22:49
      -1

      I’m looking for a cheap (~$100) solution for an old PC that’s past it’s life expectancy (using it for audio only duties), just to get that extra little bit of detail when judging recordings / files. For listening I go to the other room.

      • payton on 09/06/2019 - 09:36

        things like audio and hobbies, you're going to regret it if you go half assed and buy cheap shit, IMO!

        • thebadmachine on 09/06/2019 - 14:40

          Yes but Made in China had come a long way and cheap good quality electronic components can be had these days. I am happy for it to cost ~$100-150 for a noticeable improvement to the PC soundcard, and if it lasts only 5 years I’ll buy it again if I need it.

      • frondono on 09/06/2019 - 14:18

        You probably want to look at a schitt fulla 2 or whatever they're upto. The chips to look for would be ak4490 or es9018 or higher.

        • thebadmachine on 09/06/2019 - 14:31

          This is something I came across, thought I’d share:
          “I've listened to BB, CL, Wolfson, ESS and AKM and this is my personal findings:-

          1. Burr-Brown PCM1792A- thick mid, good bass and slightly rolled off highs. Somewhat full bodied sound.
          2. Cirrus Logic CS4398- lively sound; bass is less, mid is less thick and a bit neutral while highs is extended. Not so full bodied sound.
          3. Wolfson WM8740 - more bass, thick mid, a bit warmer sounding, highs a bit rolled off. Somewhat full bodied sound.
          4. Sabre ESS9018- clean sounding, a bit to the clinical side, light bass, almost neutral mid and high is very extended, some 'sweetness' - not so full bodied sound
          5. Verita AKM4490- good bass, thick mid and extended high, some sweetness. Overall full bodied sound - I would say, this one sound more musical then the rest.”
          • frondono on 09/06/2019 - 17:00

            @thebadmachine: I got the Audio-gd NFB-11 with some edifer powered speakers and dt990, not bad at all, I liked my logitech z-2300 with a good soundcard better speakerwise. I probably should hook the logitech up instead to the nfb-11 as I prefer their sound signature and bass adjustment.

            • thebadmachine on 09/06/2019 - 17:48

              @frondono: Thanks for sharing. I do believe a DAC is where you should start when you are thinking about upgrading your audio (unless you have a decent one already inside your amplifier).
              Even cheap DAC models these days are very competitive (the only downside to cheap is maybe product longevity but I am yet to find out if this is actually the case), sound quality wise & internals of budget DAC’s are great.
              The thing about starting with a DAC is, as you upgrade your speakers the sound improvements become even more obvious.
              Great time at the moment to get into budget audio IMO.

  • garetz on 09/06/2019 - 01:23

    You answered your own question.

    • thebadmachine on 09/06/2019 - 15:54

      Yes I think you are right. Thanks.

  • ozbjunkie on 09/06/2019 - 22:37

    Heya Marge, I have a new forum post asking a not entirely dissimilar question and I'd appreciate your input, if you'd be so kind.

    All others commenting here are also very welcome to weigh in.

    All advice appreciated.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/462555

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