01-24-2021, 03:45 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2021, 03:56 AM by TheOldPresbyope.
Edit Reason: added SMSL and disclaimer
)
@Ozzmosis
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you are using the existing console electronics and speakers then you likely would be satisfied with almost any external DAC (as opposed to the RPi's onboard DAC).
I'd choose one based on price and availability where I live. I don't think I'd want to spend more than USD50 on one for this application because I don't think the better sound quality and additional features one presumes are obtained with a greater expenditure would be apparent.
I have no quarrel with HiFIBerry's gear. I own one each of their original DAC+ and DAC+ Pro. They were my first DAC HATs, purchased several years ago. They work fine in unassuming systems. I guess the DAC+ Pro has been retired and replaced by their DAC2 Pro.
HiFiBerry have competitors in this price range; I just don't have any experience with them. I wouldn't be surprised if your needs are met by an even more unassuming DAC like one of the stripped down RPi Zero-sized ones.
I've moved up to USD100-level USB DACs such as the Khadas Tone Board, which I like on my modest living room system and which would fit your purpose. The Topping offerings between roughly USD100 and USD150 look very good to me but you'd be burying their lovely displays inside your cabinet. Again, I'm not sure the extra expense is warranted.
ETA: I forgot to mention I've also been looking as well at the SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK II at about USD100. Here again you'd be burying the front panel inside your cabinet.
DIsclaimer: I'm just giving my personal opinions here based on limited experience and not on any thorough knowledge of all the offerings out there.
Good luck and good on you for repurposing that fine old console cabinet. Brings back pleasant memories of my youth listening to my parent's LPs which set me on a life-time mission of always being able to listen to music I choose rather than what some broadcaster chose.
Regards,
Kent
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you are using the existing console electronics and speakers then you likely would be satisfied with almost any external DAC (as opposed to the RPi's onboard DAC).
I'd choose one based on price and availability where I live. I don't think I'd want to spend more than USD50 on one for this application because I don't think the better sound quality and additional features one presumes are obtained with a greater expenditure would be apparent.
I have no quarrel with HiFIBerry's gear. I own one each of their original DAC+ and DAC+ Pro. They were my first DAC HATs, purchased several years ago. They work fine in unassuming systems. I guess the DAC+ Pro has been retired and replaced by their DAC2 Pro.
HiFiBerry have competitors in this price range; I just don't have any experience with them. I wouldn't be surprised if your needs are met by an even more unassuming DAC like one of the stripped down RPi Zero-sized ones.
I've moved up to USD100-level USB DACs such as the Khadas Tone Board, which I like on my modest living room system and which would fit your purpose. The Topping offerings between roughly USD100 and USD150 look very good to me but you'd be burying their lovely displays inside your cabinet. Again, I'm not sure the extra expense is warranted.
ETA: I forgot to mention I've also been looking as well at the SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK II at about USD100. Here again you'd be burying the front panel inside your cabinet.
DIsclaimer: I'm just giving my personal opinions here based on limited experience and not on any thorough knowledge of all the offerings out there.
Good luck and good on you for repurposing that fine old console cabinet. Brings back pleasant memories of my youth listening to my parent's LPs which set me on a life-time mission of always being able to listen to music I choose rather than what some broadcaster chose.
Regards,
Kent
