Recommended USB DAC for Win10 PC

[PhilH2]

I wonder if anyone could recommend a decent DAC to connect via USB 2 to my PC running Windows 10 and Spotify Premium. I`m hoping to improve the sound quality through my Cambridge Audio Pre-amp and Paradigm Active speakers, without breaking the bank.

[Sebasty]

Hey @PhilH2

Sorry for the delayed answer!

Looking at the specs of your Cambridge unit, it has no optical in, just RCA and XLR?

I have a Scarlett 2i2 interface which has balanced outputs (1/4 inch connectors).

Scarlett Solo (2nd gen) is cheaper and has RCA outs. From the inside all of the Scarletts have the same build and signal processing quality, price differences come from input and output numbers and types.
I was recommended both Scarletts and also Tascam US 1x2 (RCA) when I asked around for a nice interface for my headphones.
All of them are USB bus powered (no need for extra power socket).

You could also look into USB soundcards sold in computer stores, they have equalizers and other stuff studio interfaces don't really have. I used to have an ASUS Xonar U5 which in it was a neat soundcard. Xonar U7 also has optical out.

The sound quality is a whole lot crisper in Scarlett's case tho, and they are also sturdier (metal housing and properly made USB input which won't bend in any way).

All of the above are slightly above 100€. 2i2 was 160€. U5 is below 100€.
I am pretty sure there are other nice offers, so I definitely suggest checking out articles for "best budget usb dac" or something, and don't forget reading reviews! You might save yourself a headache. 😉

Note: you will have to order correct cables to join the audio interface with your Cambridge unit, depending on what outputs the interface has.

If you find something, do let me know. I am into this stuff! :')

[PhilH2]

Thanks for the detailed response Sebasty.

I decided to go with a complete change of approach. I bought a Chromecast Audio and connected it to the existing EMU 0404 DAC using the optical (mini Toslink on the Chromecast to Toslink on the EMU) and into the Cambridge Audio using standard RCA as before. I am casting using Spotify Connect from a Samsung Tablet. It sounds great (better than lossless file in Itunes through the EMU from Windows 10).

Total cost about $60 Canadian. Plus I don't need the Laptop.

Thanks again for your feeback.