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Help me with my short list

I am looking for DAC options for my desktop system. It will run Tidal to a set of powered dynaudio speakers (exite x14A's).
Ideally the unit will have a volume control as well.
I would like to buy used and be under $1k given the value of the other components in the system.
So far I am aware of the Chord Hugo (which has the added utility of being portable for my headphones), the Mytek stereo 192 dad unit with while not portable checks the other boxes and is a little cheaper used than the hugo.
What else should I be on the lookout for? Benchmark comes to mind but I had one of the original units and it seemed grainy as I recall.
thx!
jimmy3993

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,591 posts
 
The Mytek 192 is old. :) The Brooklyn is it's replacement.

One really inexpensive unit you should audition is the Parasound Zdac. Much better sounding than it's price point.

The Ayre Codex is another small unit many really like.

If you want portable with DSD support, the Fiio X3 series are my favorites, but the amp doesn't do IEM's very well, for that i use an add-on amp unit.
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