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Which sub 200 usd DAC if using an integrated amp?

Hi! I would like to start by asking for your patience here as I am just a beginner in Hifi... but I am really willing to learn :)

I am thinking of ordering a DAC from AudioEngine named Audioengine D1. It is equipped with AKM4396, a sought after DAC chip.

However, I only have integrated amplifier. So it means the signal from my hard drive basically need to run through 2 pre amp (one from the DAC, one from the Inte Amp). Is it a bad thing and how will it affect sound quality?

Should it buy a HRT Music Streamer for 150 usd instead? It does not have volume control but it using PCM1793 D/A chip, supposedly inferior to AKM 4396.

Thank you very much for reading the post! I am really looking forward for your help!
bepositive
anonymoustao
127 posts
 
The D1 controls volume level of sound via analog outputs as well as the headphone output. I just got one last week to use on my desktop with A2 speakers. It sounds great and works flawlessly. I've also used the HRT for this, and it's also great. I don't think you can go wrong with either under $200. Both companies make very nice products.
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
Have you looked at the emotiva they have on special? I was VERY pleased with the results.
It also has a vol control, but when run wide open, it effectively takes it out of the mix as previously mentioned.

One other reason I would suggest this unit is the remote/switch setup it has.

If someone is thinking about upgrades down the road, they could use this as the preamp also. If you use a tuner, there are 30 dollar insignia HD tuners on ebay right now with digital outputs. In effect, you could have a complete digital system this way by purchasing a power amp.
arni
313 posts
 
If your source will be a computer, then yes, asynchronous DAC like the HRT Streamer II will outperform a non asynchronous DAC, like the Audioengine.
tonyangel
309 posts
 
I'll give another plug for the Emotiva XDA-1. Since I've had mine, I've only compared it to the internal DACs of a couple of different NAD Pre's, a V-DAC II and a DacMagic. I much preferred the sound of the music from the XDA-1. It may very well be the king of the inexpensive DACs at $250, shipped.

It also leaves alot of room to grow, with two coax, two optical and a usb input. I really think that you'd need to spend a lot more money to get better.
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