Budget(ish) USB DAC from Mac Mini - AVR - No fancy features!

[thats_not_my_naim]

Hello.

I'm a 2 channel man at heart but due to several reasons I've ended up with a 5.1 system again in the lounge :doh: using some B&W XT8's and an Arcam AVR 360 amplifier as the primary kit. For 2 channel stuff I'm using my Mac Mini for playing spotify premium / WAV files from my NAS via iTunes.

At the moment I'm using the HDMI out on the Mac straight in to the amp and playing music that way. To be honest it doesn't sound too bad although I'd like to take it up a notch or two if possible.

I'd ideally like to add a DAC and add audiovarna or something along those lines.

I've had a look online and through some threads on here with regards to a dac for my needs. I've owned a Naim DAC/ M DAC and 8200DQ in the past although don't want to spend that much this time!

I'm thinking USB (asynchronous) so that DAC must have this and RCA output.

I don't need a pre amp.

I don't need/want a headphone amp.

Budget £200 used or new.

On looking through I've seen several of these USB dongle type DAC's but I can't get it out of my head that a 'proper' DAC in a case would be a better option and I don't require any such portability.

I've seen a couple of Arcam rDAC's for under £200 (B Stock) although not sure if there's something 'better' out there or cheaper that'll suit.

Many thanks for any help/advice.

Mark

 

[Guest]

MF V-DAC ii? That's within / under budget and has the requisite features.

 

[thats_not_my_naim]

Thanks for the reply mate.

Do yo think the MF would be a better option that an Arcam rDac as a few of these have popped up for around £170 being sold as 'B Stock'

Thanks

Mark

 

[hermit]

MF V-DAC ii? That's within / under budget and has the requisite features.

I think the V-dac has been replaced by the V90 at £200 - better looking case I think

Also at £275 the ifi micro i-dac is worth a look

 

[DPICT]

V-DAC ii :^

 

[Eckythump]

I went from an MDAC to a Micromega Mydac and have been very impressed with it.