DAC...what to buy.

[doifeellucky]

Alternatively, that could easily be addressed with a optical switch.



The OP hasn't stated how they intend to use the laptop and it may not be necessary

Indeed, I previously mentioned an optical switch, I have one myself, and I agree about the use of a laptop in this scenario.

 

[Gonepostal]

Ok, thanks for all the suggestions.

So, I got the Wiim today and have been playing with it and I'm pressed. Been using optical out into an amp playing Tidal. I'm now thinking I won't be using the laptop for music anymore, tidal offers me all that I need.



With that in mind I guess I just need a DAC with an optical input. I've put a bid in on a topping E30, currently at £45 so hopefully that comes off. I don't need two optical inputs as the TV only gets connected when I watch a film, I use a soundbar for normal listening. I can quite easily disconnect the Wiim from the DAC and connect my TV when needed.

Regards

 

[suburbansky]

Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200 has all the in- and outputs you require and to my ears it sounds great, definite improvement over the in-built DAC of my CDP and Node. Certainly above budget but maybe you could dig out a bargain somewhere.

 

[treesey]

I was going to suggest an Arcam irDAC, with the synergy it should have with the A29?

ETA loads of inputs - flexibility for the future? £100+ 2nd hand.

Arcam - irDAC(Discontinued) - Digital to Analogue Converter

Arcam re-entered the Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) market with the introduction of the rDAC a few years ago. The stand-alone DAC concept was ...

www.arcam.co.uk

 

[Timbola]

2nd hand Mojo?
Optical input and likely to outperform most DACs south of £400.

 

[suburbansky]

2nd hand Mojo?
Optical input and likely to outperform most DACs south of £400.

Mojo is more suited for mobile use, as it shouldn't be constantly plugged in and also defaults back to headphone from line out by design.

 

[Timbola]

Yes that’s true, although many people use it in static (as in non-portable) systems. I’ve had mine for probably 5 years or so in my main system now and isn’t really much of a big deal charging it and turning it on at line level. It can be a slight annoyance but the sound quality is very good at the price.

 

[suburbansky]

Yes that’s true, although many people use it in static (as in non-portable) systems. I’ve had mine for probably 5 years or so in my main system now and isn’t really much of a big deal charging it and turning it on at line level. It can be a slight annoyance but the sound quality is very good at the price.

Sure - if have no personal experience with the Mojo, and no reason to doubt its qualities. When I was looking into DACs recently, said issues steered me away from the Mojo and towards the DACMagic 200, which I have zero regrets about. I find it a bit odd, though, that Chord doesn't have a kind of stationary version of the Mojo, especially as it's a massive price hike from the Mojo to the Qutest, the latter being the cheapest Chord DAC to be used with a fixed setup.