Thread: Chinese Ebay DAC... any good?

Originally Posted by jtk

Hey guys, I came across this Chinese Ebay DAC (S.M.S.L. 1955+; I don't want to link it because the Ebay links go dead after a while, but Google will find it) and I was wondering how it compares to other options on the low end (specifically: Schiit Bifrost, Cambridge DACMagic 100, and Peachtree DACit)?

With Chinese DACs you normally get what you pay for. That means they are not crap, but you should also not make the mistake of comparing them to equipment which is 3-5 times more expensive.

Hello jtk, welcome;

If you can afford to throw away $100 in the event that it is no good, then go for it.

But if not, then why not save a few bucks and buy some of the lessor expensive Dacs recommended here, Dragonfly? Possibly one of the good people here will stop buy and recommend a few others.

Good Luck,

Jim

The PeachTree DAC*IT is a really safe recommendation, and it is a made in heaven match for a Touch.

There are many others, and I bet at least three or four show up the week announced at the Rocky Mountain Audio Faire.

Yours,
-Paul

Originally Posted by jtk

Thanks guys, this is about what I figured.

sjoc2000, I would get the Dragonfly but I actually have nothing in my setup that will connect via usb. I know the SBT can be made to do this, but I'd just as soon use one of the digital outs.

Also, I may hook up my blu-ray player for use as another source, and I'd like to run that through the DAC too.

From my personal experience, I suggest we do not underestimate Chinese made DACs. Couple years ago I listened to several DACs from Chinese brands, none of them were $100 DACs, but still very inexpensive vs. European and US brands, and they competed very well in the budget price territory. Amongs those were Yulong, Audio-GD and some others. The best one I really liked was Matrix Mini-I for $300+. I had it back to back with Rega DAC, Arcam and Dac Magic. All I can say it's performance and sonic signature was absolute the same as Rega DAC, which is $1000.

Try the coax out of the Touch to the Pioneer before buying another dac. I'm not a big fan of the Touch dac. I found the sound thin. Much better as digital out. If your still not satisfied then start looking at dacs.

I would not automatically eliminate Chinese dacs. Audio-gd is highly regarded. Grant Fidelity out of Canada handles a Chinese dac that is well received, and GF's customer service is top-notch. But I'd go up the ladder a little in price. If you're trying to pinch pennies, you might look for a used Emotiva XDA-1. It only does 16.44.1 from usb, but I use mine with the coax out from my SBT and I think it sounds really good. Emotiva has a new dac coming out and XDA-1's should become readily available on the used market for under $200. You can use the EDO plug in on your Touch and go with the Dragonfly for $250. Peachtree's DAC*IT and Schiit Bifrost also are highly recommended by some. With the Touch you don't need hirez usb, so you might look for an older, used upscale dac. Lots of options.