Budget upgrade for PC audio.

[Cricketbat70]

As Spotify is now hi-res I was thinking of upgrading my PC audio. It currently consists of a Sony Bluetooth speaker connected via 3.5mm cable to the PC built in audio out. I'm thinking of upgrading using an old TEAC reference 300 amp I acquired. I was considering using my Sony NWA55 as a USB DAC as it has that option rather than the audio out on the PC. Do you think using the Sony will be a good option or do I look for a dedicated USB DAC.

 

[Gray]

First thing to do (as you've got all you need) is to try using the Sony as a DAC - and see if you notice any improvement, even into the BT speaker.

If you did go for a USB DAC, I can assure you that this is a bargain (if you can put it in a case or out of sight):

https://amzn.eu/d/fp4tLmA

My one:

 

[Jasonovich]

@Gray will always give you sensible advice and what he says above makes a lot of sense but if you want to be more adventurous without parting too much cash.
I'd say get yourself a decent budget DAC like the SMSL SU1 or the Topping E50 and feed the output to PreSonus Eris 3 (German) or M-Audio (Bluetooth version is going cheaper) active speakers as per below, that should enhance the quality and do some justice to Hi-res Spotify 🙂

Or if you can stretch the budget on the active speakers consider the Yamaha HS3 / HS4 or the PreSonus Eris Studio 5 / Studio 8.

https://amzn.eu/d/gXp8gKV

PreSonus Eris Studio 8, Studio Monitor Speaker, Single, 8 Inch, 2-Way, with EBM Waveguide : n/a: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy PreSonus Eris Studio 8, Studio Monitor Speaker, Single, 8 Inch, 2-Way, with EBM Waveguide at Amazon UK.

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PreSonus Eris Studio 5, 5.25 inch 2-Way Active Studio Monitor with EBM Waveguide, Sound Fidelity with Precise Controls and Flexible Connectivity : n/a: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Buy PreSonus Eris Studio 5, 5.25 inch 2-Way Active Studio Monitor with EBM Waveguide, Sound Fidelity with Precise Controls and Flexible Connectivity. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

amzn.eu

https://amzn.eu/d/6NrE96S

https://amzn.eu/d/iTedCMv

S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

amzn.eu

AOSHIDA Topping E50 MQA DAC, USB/Optical/Coaxial to TRS/RCA Digital-Analog Converter, ES9068AS DSD512 PCM32Bit/768kHz, Hi-Res Audio DAC with Remote Control (Black) : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

AOSHIDA Topping E50 MQA DAC, USB/Optical/Coaxial to TRS/RCA Digital-Analog Converter, ES9068AS DSD512 PCM32Bit/768kHz, Hi-Res Audio DAC with Remote Control (Black) : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

amzn.eu