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Hi @jtwrace It would be great if you could give some impressions on using the Aries Mini as a standalone usb DAC in a stereo setup? Compared to say similar priced Mirco iDSD and maybe the Concero HD (same 9018-2m chip as the Mini). I am looking for a DAC around the same price tag. If the Aries Mini is as good as a DAC then having the additional Streamer options will make it the best choice for me. So it will be great if you give some impressions on the DAC part. Thanks

Hi firends,, need a little help. I am still hanging on the decision to finalize a USB dac for my PC based stereo setup. My budget is around $500 and the clear options i have shortlisted are: 1. Ifi Micro iDSD 2. SMSL M8 with the P1 power supply 3. Used Concero HD - havent found a good deal yet It is going to be a blind buy for me so i just want to know what people here suggest. My system sounds fairly neutral right now, i would want to impart some energy to it. Any suggestions or insights are welcome! Thanks

Dear Friends: I am looking to setup a new system. While my speakers are almost decided, i am looking to setup a source to store/play files and if possible also include a good dac. all my music is digital Flac, WAV etc. My first option is to assemble a PC, then take USB audio out to a good external DAC and then from there to the amp and speakers. Also then control the PC from my phone. This involves a slightly long chain and the PC would cost me $3-400 and the DAC around $500. I want to know if there is an option to buy a one box solution that has a good onboard DAC, includes a HDD or an option to play from attached external drive and a touchscreen to control or an Android app to control the playback. Budget around the $5-600 This will remove the need of a PC and save me some money as well. The only thing is that the onboard DAC should be good, as good as a standalone $500 DAC like parasound Zdac or HalideHD. Even if there is no touchscreen, i am happy to control playback from an Android app. Another option could also include an Integrated Amp section in the same box along with the DAC and the player, if there is something like that i could increase the budget to around $1500 for the whole one box solution. If there is something like that on the market, can someone please point me in that direction? Thanks for the help!

Thanks. Argon7L costs twice as much as the 520! That is something i cant afford at the moment But i think that comparison is a compliment for the 520. It seems 520s will be a safe bet as far is my preferences for a fast, open and engaging speaker goes. How is the 520s for vocals? In my brief audition i could not dircen much about the vocal presentation. If there another speaker(different make) you would like to recommend around the price range of the 520s which are open and engaging and are good with vocals, i am open for suggestions. Someone mentioned Vienna Acoustics?

Thank you so much for a detailled response. Its very helpful as i had not thought of it in terms of efficiency and real room conditions. I think it makes things much clearer and given that 520s are much cheaper, i think they are the more sensible choice as well. And you are right about the subwoofer, if i later feel the need to add one, i can always to that. Thanks a lot for the explanation.

Dear Friends! I am looking for engaging, open, dynamic and natural pair of speakers. In my hunt i came across Amphion Helium 520 and it seemed pretty good. It was quite engaging and fast and soundstaged like crazy. But it was just a little lightweight. My dealer told me to go for Argon3L, which are the next step up and supposedly much better according to him. The catch is i cannot audition it, as it will be specially ordered for me. I want to know form anyone who has heard/ used the Argon3L if its worth paying extra? Does the Argon3L have the same amphion "House sound", is it as engaging as the Helium? Also is the open, fast and natural as well? If it is analytical, dead neutral and monitor-ish, then i will pass on it. Please give me your views. Any input would help me decide here. thanks

Yes thats my confusion, which one to go for within that range. i cant make a definitive choice that seems clearly better for me than the rest. And @ Audio_ELF, You're right 0204 is pretty good SQ wise but i am looking for a slightly better Soundstaging and Detail. So hopefully there is an improvement out there in my range. But yes i will take a good look at my current dac before committing to the upgrade.

You mean to say that the 0204 might stand its ground well with these newer slightly more expensive offerings?

wisnon, thanks for your reply. Are you saying these are the best options in around my price range currently? Better than the others mentioned? The Meridian explorer has a headphone out, what would be the ideal way to connect it to my speaker? My speaker accepts analog inputs.

Hello everyone. I am new here so please bear with me on this. I have a simple desktop setup PC - Creative EMU 0204 (DAC) - Aktimate Maxi (Powered Speakers). I have been using the Creative EMU 0204 for about 2 years and now i am looking to upgrade to something better. I know new DACs are coming out every day and i am assuming the technology is improving fast. I have been looking at DACs in the price range of $100 - $250. when you consider the no of options, there is a lot. ODAC, Schiit Modi, HRT, AUNE, Hifimediy and many more. So i am totally confused as to which one i should go for. I am not particularly biased about any brand or make and i am also open to buying used, if its a good deal. I prefer neutral or slightly warm of neutral sound. And its a desktop setup so i dont want something big. Lastly i only need a USB dac, i have no use for a Headphone AMP. So please go ahead and give your suggestions about what i should buy. Also if you would like to send me an offer for something good but used and around my price range, please do. Thanks.