Shangri-La

I'm looking to add mic-in and headphone-out capability to my computer desktop 2-channel system. After some research, audio interface seems to serve my needs. Its mic-in part should have very good audio quality, but what about its headphone-amp and DAC part, how do they compare to similarly priced DAC/headphone amp? I know for audio interface, I'm paying for a lot of things I dont need. For under $200, I can get a pretty decent one and the more expensive ones seems to only add more input/output. I have no way of knowing whether the DAC and headphone amp are actually better. From what I have researched, I should be able to skip the AI DAC and use my current DAC in my main computer listening system. But I hope it should be a solid upgrade to my laptop internal DAC when I'm in the office. Schiit Modi 3 level at the very least for a sub-$200 audio interface (Focusrite scarlett/Motu M2)?

I’ve been looking for the highest possible quality way to play/stream music from my MacBook, wired or wirelessly. So far my discovery is that AirPlay has about 90% sound quality of Audirvana (using UPNP/DLNA). USB is not feasible as I sit 6+ ft away from the DAC. Here’s my setup: MAC ~~~~Airplay or UPNP/DLNA~~~~ Raspberry Pi Volumio --- Parasound Halo Integrated --- Akitika GT-102 AMP --- GoldenEar Triton Reference The Parasound Halo Int (currently only using its DAC/Pre-amp part) will soon be replaced by Benchmark DAC3. Amp may be upgraded to Benchmark AHB2 when it’s back in stock. Scenario 1 – AirPlay: I use a third-party music streaming app and cast the MAC system audio to Volumio using AirPlay. Scenario 2 – Audirvana (UPNP/DLNA): I find the same song in TIDAL/Qobuz and play through Audirvana using UPNP/DLNA. Since the third-party app (Kuwo) is not integrated in Audirvana so can only be played via AirPlay system audio out. From my observation Scenario 1 AirPlay sound quality is about 90% of Scenario 2 Audirvana. I can use Audirvana if I need to play my local ripped music file. There are 2 variables here: the streaming app and the wireless playback. I think it’s reasonable to believe the apps provide same sound quality (Kuwo vs TIDAL/Qobuz). I suspect the difference I heard is due to sound quality between AirPlay and UPNP/DLNA. So what is the general consensus of AirPlay as a mean of high quality music playback, and how it compares to UPNP/DLNA? I wouldn’t mind wired connection if it provides higher sound quality but I really doubt it.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-smsl-m300.7046/page-5 SMSL M300 looks like a good option at $250!

That would be great. At least list the options of each price range.

From what I read TeraDak LPS are of good quality and can be had on ebay for a lot less.

Yeah the designer has stated that the Pro-Ject S2D will benefit from a linear power supply.

I hope/believe that stereophile review and rating are based mainly on listening test, like with their other reviews. Measurement is just to reassure the basics. I also believe the price is not taken into consideration when giving it a Class A, which is what I regard their rating pretty highly - how do products compare to each other when prices are ignored.

The full review is not posted on their website.

Yes, that is exactly my reactions when I first read it. Wonderful achievement for a 400 DAC. My desktop project in the original post is taking a back seat though, as I'm really enjoying the Akitika GT102 amp in my main system lol.

Okay, no wonder I can't find the review on their website. Used to have subscription but not any more.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2019-edition-digital-processors The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital is just listed as Stereophile's Class A DAC. Quite an achievement for a $400 DAC!

Per the designer of the Project S2D., the unit will benefit from a linear power supply.

If you need a new amp, I highly recommend the Akitika GT-102. Plenty of performance to match even several thousand dollar speakers for under $400. $500 if you want it pre-built.

Why did you sell your MF V90? It's very well reviewed and measured. Not sure if you can gain anything by going with D50 etc, especially if the rest of your system is not that revealing.

Okay I received my order of the D50 from Amazon and had a try in my main system. I replaced the DAC part of my integrated amp with D50, and the difference is quite noticeable. Maybe it can work in my desktop system which is less revealing. I'll let the D50 burn in for a week and give it another try.