trapnel

Super helpful thread, everyone! I have a question about getting a cheap DAC vs not, which has perhaps already been answered ("yes"), but if anyone could address my specific case I'd very much appreciate it. Here's my use-case: I'm putting together an audio system for our living room, almost from scratch. The inputs will be 1- a turntable (model TBD, maybe the Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB I've seen well-reviewed), 2- audio split out from the HDMI of a Roku 2 box (probably -- I know it's not ideal, but the problem is that our projector the Roku would be feeding has HDMI in, but no audio-out. The Roku 1 has RCA outputs, but it's supposedly rather sluggish), and most importantly 3- a Chromecast Audio to pull music from our music collection on a Synology NAS. I'd like to minimize cost while still sounding good. I'll be getting Elac Debut 6 bookshelf speakers (I think they're €350 here), and I need to decide what to do about an amp. I was originally thinking one of the new, cheap digital ones (Topping, Dayton Audio) I've seen recommended, but it looks like I need more inputs than those are meant for, so now I'm looking for used "real" amps. (I'm slightly limited by the fact that I *don't* want a tuner, because then I'd have to pay a radio license fee.) Right now I'm seeing locally available a used NAD 314 for €130, and a used Technics SU-X502 for €65. The NAD seems well-reviewed (I can't find any reviews on the other) so I'm assuming it's better quality, but it only has analog inputs, while the Technics has digital, too. Do you think I would be better off with the NAD, even though it means using the CCA's own DAC/pre-amp, or going with the Technics' DAC? Thanks!