Looking for a Cheap DAC?

Hi Randy,

I do not own a Sonica DAC but can assure you that it does not play SACD (I assume that’s what you meant by "SADs"?) and does not do video.

SACD is a proprietary DSD format that is designed to protect against copying raw DSD files (pirating). Same with DVD-A, BluRay audio, etc. Some players (not DACs) like the better Oppo’s and my MW Sony 5400ES do offer HDMI output to allow transfer of raw DSD files from SACD (prior to D to A conversion) to an external processor that has the required HDMI input connection and HDMI copy protection protocol to avoid unauthorized copying of the raw DSD file from SACD. The Sonica is not one of those external processors.

The Sonica DAC does not have an I2S input (often uses the same connector as HDMI) so there is really no reason to be even mildly confused about its input capabilities from a SACD player with an HDMI DSD output.

The Sonica DAC does offer an impressive array of resolutions to utilize during playback via 1) streaming (which you proclaim to abhor) from a suitable streaming device, 2) purchased and downloaded hi-rez files, or 3) from a suitable storage device/server that already contains such content.

Maybe a little more time learning about how all this works would be a good idea before settling on any of the more technically up-to-date DACs out there.

Best to you Randy,
Dave

I agree, for $89 looks promising. 

I'm interested too. I'm looking to upgrade from using the Sonos internal DAC. Any sub $200 units that people have tried and liked?  The Schiit Modi 2 Uber looks good too although it doesn't do DSD. 

I used Parasound Zdac and Peachtree DAC-itX both quite an improvement. I've seen both here for $175. I think anymore is wasted on the Sonos.