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.

amzn.eu

https://amzn.eu/d/0ngAR1G

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

 

[Gray]

Some good picks there by Jason.
I like the look of the Topping - I've never heard it, but based on my experience with their headphone amps, I'm guessing it will be good.
The SU1 is a nice little DAC. Good old Doug lent me his one - have to say the Khadas sounded better (it's audibly equal to the DAC in my Cyrus amp (and uses the same ESS chip).

I've only ever compared the sound of standalone DACs up to around £600 -none have sounded better (to me) than the Khadas.
I paid closer to £100 for it.
Though I think its sound must be unbeatable at its current price - I'll be the first to admit that anything else will look better - if it needs to be on view.

And yes, PreSonus speakers - a bit bulky on my brother's desktop, but they certainly made music sound good 👍

 

[abacus]

Also have a look at computer audio interfaces, as they are usually the best choice, due to the fact they are designed specifically for use with computers and studio monitors.

Bill

 

[Witterings]

or the Topping E50

It's funny that this is a little mentioned DAC ... I have an E30 from a couple of years back but when doing research / looking at reviews and if you believe in ASR numbers the E50 seemed to be possibly the best bang for your buck going.
I very nearly bought one but in the end took a much "bigger" step up the chain but I really would have liked to have heard one .... both then .... and now as they may be the "sweet spot" of cost vs return on performance / diminishing returns.

 

[Jasonovich]

It's funny that this is a little mentioned DAC ... I have an E30 from a couple of years back but when doing research / looking at reviews and if you believe in ASR numbers the E50 seemed to be possibly the best bang for your buck going.
I very nearly bought one but in the end took a much "bigger" step up the chain but I really would have liked to have heard one .... both then .... and now as they may be the "sweet spot" of cost vs return on performance / diminishing returns.

I had the pleasure of earning both the E30 and E50.
I got the E50 on default, my E30 fried from a power outage.
I never invested in proper power mains protection at the time and paid the price.
I decided this was a good time to step up and pay a little extra for something better, the E50 was indeed the better DAC, a much fuller sound. Better in every respect.
I eventually sold it on eBay to a customer who previously owned the E30 and fed back to me his comments.
He was literally in disbelief that E50 can sound so much better.
Worth paying the little extra for the E50 😊

 

[DiggyGun]

My second system was using my PC via a DAC into my Amp (SMSL SA 300).

Tried a number of different DACs and preferred them in the following order from bad to good;
- PC direct
- Topping D10s Mini
- Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100
- Kardas Tone board
- SMSL SU-1

Of the them all, the SU-1 sounded the best.

DG…