2 Channel D/A Converter

[hebb]

Could someone recommend me a good 2 channel, D/A converter.

So far I've looked at Mytek Digital Stereo96 DAC, Dangerous Music Source, and RME ADI-2.

What do you guys think of these? How do they compare to each other?

I'd prefer something portable that I can hook up to my Komplete Audio 6.

Also, a built in headphone amp would be a plus.

I'd use it with Win 7 (or 10, if I decide to upgrade later this year)

Thanks

[lfm]

I looked at RME ADI-2 a couple of weeks ago.
Compared chips used with some highly regarded DAC's.

Found this list:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/geekslu ... isted.html

If you want to evaluate on that level.
DAC1 used Analog Devices chips, and some of RME stuff do too.
But in contact with them that changes over time on same interface even.
I used DAC's from beginning 90's based on Crystal Semiconductors chips (CS) now bought by Cirrus Logic.

But chips is not the full story - other components fitted like capacitors is of very high importance.
Look at this guys project - I built a DAC as a combination of those experiments based on CS4397:
http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/LAM ... zator.html

I couldn't believe the difference made by just changing to high rated caps.
And also changed the jitter filter to manufacturers choice, and remove the fitted components.
I also found reviews on modified RME stuff which changed caps. Comparisons with DAC1 and others.

If you feel like diving deep into this - you got something to start with.

And there are pricetags for people with more money than sense:
http://www.msbtech.com/products/platinumHome.php

[hebb]

Yeah, I've heard mixed opinions about RME ADI-2. Plus, it's been around for 10 years (I think), and I don't know how much longer it will be supported.
Also, It has all the functions I want, but I'm not sure what kind of sound I would get.
Even though it would be an upgrade for me (Initially), I don't want to end up with something that I will get sick of pretty soon.
A new option would be the Black Lion Audio Red Sparrow DAC (I've read good stuff about it so far).

Building my own DAC is definitely something I want to get into, and I'm currently learning a lot of things from forums like GearSlutz or Head-Fi. Thanks for the links.

Is building a DAC kind of like building your own computer, or does it require a lot more knowledge?

[BertKoor]

Honestly I would not try to build any dac, apart from a COVOX.
Or you must have a degree in micro electronics and avcess to a chip plant.

[lfm]

Is building a DAC kind of like building your own computer, or does it require a lot more knowledge?

To modify a card like Lampizator project just required some soldering experience. Easy to destroy components by overheating or get copper foil loosening from board. So good soldering iron with a sharp tip and some experience. Just be very gentle. And since surface mount stuff is really tiny you may want these clock rapairshop magnifying glasses that stick on your head.

This Lampizator 1.0 project is on ebay and you buy a $100 kit with power+dac board. Do mods take some caps and a box to mount it in - done.

This was my result

Total cost $200 everything included.
And to run and test the kit you buy from hongkong at ebay is all you need as a start, box you buy if your are satisfied with result listening to it.

The ADI-2 is like $800.

My first DAC was built buy a guy that had this shop, and looking at circuit board of that is pretty much what manufacturer recommends and have schematics for. Base is a spdif receiver pll like CS8416 and the DAC chip CS4397, interface with simple opamp or something for spdif cable that is basically all. But build from scratch is maybe not the first thing you do.

[BertKoor]

Very good price/quality rate:
http://www.esi-audio.com/products/drdacprime/

Thomann.de has it in stock for just under €300. Very hard to beat...