HiFi Subjectivist ¦ Audio Forum ¦ NVA User Group

Hello

I am repurposing an old laptop as a hifi server using Audirvana software and I am looking at suitable USB dac to connect to stereo amp.

I am currently using an Audioquest Dragonfly as a DAC as I had one to hand but I would be interested in trying Doc’s recommended Chinese DAC and power supply recommendation.........anyone recall the name/model etc ?

I use Tidal as well as locally stored Flac files so MQA compatibility needed

Many thanks

I have one you can have complete with PSU. Do you live near Manchester?

Don't think the Doc-DAC is MQA compatible, although the new Topping E90 is.

MQA is a fairly esoteric format and only high-end DAC's are likely to be able to handle it.
Topping DAC's are all unbeatable sound-for-pound devices with awesome SQ and good reliability.

petermanc1234 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:10 am I have one you can have complete with PSU. Do you live near Manchester?

Hi, many thanks for the kind offer but sorry no I live near Oxford. I would be happy to pay for postage RMSD etc. if that works for you?

Ah, just seen Fretless’s post - would need MQA compatibility ideally

The budget Topping E30 does have hi-res DSD decoding -but no MQA

I have the Topping E30 and it sound is very good and is excellent value. I use a powecr bank as a PS. Peronally I think MQA is a bit of a marketing red herring.

Another thing that will seriously boost the performance of the AudioQuest Dragonfly is hooking it up thusly:

PC output through AQ Jitterbug then cable link to Oehlback XXL Masterclock
Plug Dragonfly straight into the Masterclock. I know this works - I have tried it and the Dragonfly really started flying!

The Oehlbach unit not only reclocks the signal - it is also provides a clean power supply for the Dragonfly.
Cheap(ish) from their own webshop.

Recommended; USB cables from DH Labs, available here:
https://www.partsconnexion.com/cgi-bin/ ... h+labs+usb

The standard Silver Sonic USB outperforms AQ Carbon and the DH Labs Mirage is just amazing.
Both from this shop at discount prices for certain lengths.

Just spotted,

The new Ifi Zen DAC will give you MQA playback at a very friendly price.
Ifi digital products are regarded as fine-sounding and excellent VFM.

The £5 dac / £45 lpsu was as good sounding as a £500 ifi Micro DSD in my system. The ifi gear tends to have lots of features.