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Topic: Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC (Read 4840 times) previous topic - next topic
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Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

I'm looking for a low noise 16-bit 44.1 USB-based headphone DAC that has a good dynamic range and other good audio qualities. Nothing fancy like a 24-bit 192 kHz card, since I'm listening to CD audio. So it can't be upsampled to 48 kHz either. I was looking at the Behringer UCA202, but I don't know what they mean by "High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality". I don't want any resampling. I want to spend $30 at most.

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #1 –
Audioengine D1?

AUDINST HUD-mx2?

EDIT: Whoops $30 at most cancels these 2 out.
Who are you and how did you get in here ?
I'm a locksmith, I'm a locksmith.

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #2 –
I found the user manual on the Behringer website and it says "16-bits, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz".

Quote
"High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality".
I assume they are talking about recording (the ADC).  The "high resolution" stuff is just marketing hype.

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #4 –
Something like a Fiio E07K?
"I hear it when I see it."

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #5 –
Actually, I may go with something like the Lexicon Alpha... since I already have it. But I don't know if that is NOS.

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Yakov on
Actually, I may go with something like the Lexicon Alpha... since I already have it. But I don't know if that is NOS.


Since you're really asking about driving headphones, the choice of the DAC, how it works, if it resamples, etc is almost irrelevant.  The bigger concern is just that you get something that can actually drive headphones properly.  Try to find a device with a reasonable output impedance that is designed to properly drive headphones directly (that is, without assuming you will be using an additional amp).

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #7 –
What do you mean by NOS?

It certainly is a cheap audio interface, but the headphone out is probably not very powerful. Manual says 20mW into 50 ohm. I bet the reason for this is also a high output impedance.
Sadly, little attention is given to the headphone outputs in such audio interfaces.
"I hear it when I see it."

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #8 –
Quote from: xnor on
What do you mean by NOS?

It certainly is a cheap audio interface, but the headphone out is probably not very powerful. Manual says 20mW into 50 ohm. I bet the reason for this is also a high output impedance.
Sadly, little attention is given to the headphone outputs in such audio interfaces.



http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/fiio-e10-dac.html

The cheapest alternative is probably a UCA202 driving a FIIO E5.

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/fiio-e...dphone-amp.html

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/behrin...202-review.html

Help finding modest 16 bit 44.1 kHz USB DAC

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Arnold B. Krueger on
Quote from: xnor on
What do you mean by NOS?

It certainly is a cheap audio interface, but the headphone out is probably not very powerful. Manual says 20mW into 50 ohm. I bet the reason for this is also a high output impedance.
Sadly, little attention is given to the headphone outputs in such audio interfaces.



http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/fiio-e10-dac.html

The cheapest alternative is probably a UCA202 driving a FIIO E5.

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/fiio-e...dphone-amp.html

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/behrin...202-review.html


I find it rather strange that Behringer never bothered to make a consumer grade successor to the UCA-202 with a 24-bit DAC and ~0 Ohm output impedance headphone jack...How hard can that really be if they can already make a 10 years old product that still measures exceptionally well today?