Advice on modern amp + DAC

Few months back I posted a thread asking for advice on upgrading my cheapo setup. I've since upgraded both my speakers and turntable to a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 225s and an AR-XB. I'm now looking to finalize my setup by replacing my receiver (Yamaha RX-497) and get a DAC.

So far I've been mainly considering either a used NAD C316BEE or Yamaha A-S500 paired with an external DAC, or a new Yamaha A-S501 with internal DAC on a budget of $400. I already own a preamp (TCC-TC 750) so that's not required. How is the internal DAC on the A-S501 and is it equal or better to some of the external DACs on the market in the $100-150 range? Also wondering what other new/used modern amplifiers in this range I should be considering.

 

Bump

 

Quite honestly I don't know very much compared to others on this board, but about a year ago I was seeking a very similar (but different) answer and ended up with an Emotive TA-100. I paired it with the Emotive bookshelf speakers and am very pleased with the results. YMMV

TA-100

 

I like Emotiva gear and use it myself. I find that it does what it claims to do and is therefore one of the best audio values at their particular price points.

STEREO PREAMP/DAC/TUNER WITH INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER, $399


I second the motion. I really doubt that you will better this integrated, at this price, which is within your stated budget.


Analog Inputs

• 2 pairs; stereo analog line level inputs (CD, Aux).
  
  
• 1 pair; stereo phono inputs (switchable; moving magnet or moving coil).
  
  
• 1 tuner; FM (with external antenna input; 50 station presets).
  

Digital Inputs

• 1; digital coax (S/PDIF); 24/192k.
  
  
• 1; digital optical (Toslink); 24/192k.
  
  
• 1; digital USB (DAC input); 24/96k; no drivers required.
  
  
• 1; Bluetooth receiver (requires optional AptX Bluetooth dongle).
  

Outputs

• 1 pair; main line level output; stereo, unbalanced.
  
  
• 1 pair; speaker outputs; stereo, 5-way binding post.
  
  
• 2; summed full range outputs (for connecting one or two subwoofers), unbalanced.
  
  
• 1; stereo headphone output (front panel).
  

Analog Performance (line level)

• Maximum output level: 4 VRMS.
  
  
• Frequency response: 5 Hz to 50 kHz +/- 0.04 dB.
  
  
• THD+noise: < 0.0015% (A-weighted).
  
  
• IMD: < 0.004% (SMPTE).
  
  
• S/N ratio: > 115 dB.
  
  
• Crosstalk: < 90 dB.
  

Analog Performance (to speaker outputs; both channels driven)

• Output Power:
  50 watts RMS per channel (20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD < 0.02%; into 8 Ohms).
  90 watts RMS per channel (1 kHz; THD < 1%; into 4 Ohms).
  
  
• Power bandwidth:
  20 Hz to 20 kHz + 0 dB / – 0.25 dB (at rated power; into 8 Ohms).
  
  
• Broadband frequency response: 20 Hz to 80 kHz + 0 dB / – 3 dB.
  
  
• THD+noise: < 0.05% (A-weighted).
  
  
• S/N ratio:
  > 100 dB (A-weighted; ref full power).
  > 85 dB (A-weighted; ref 1 watt).
  

Analog Performance (phono)

• Frequency response (MM and MC):
  20 Hz to 20 kHz; ref standard RIAA curve.
  
  
• THD+noise:
  < 0.015% (MM; A-weighted).
  < 0.06% (MC; A-weighted).
  
  
• S/N ratio:
  > 90 dB (MM).
  > 68 dB (MC).
  

Analog Performance (headphone)

• Output Power:
  8 Ohms: 23 mW / channel.
  33 Ohms: 90 mW / channel.
  47 Ohms: 127 mW / channel.
  150 Ohms: 145 mW / channel.
  300 Ohms: 114 mW / channel.
  600 Ohms: 75 mW / channel.
  

Digital Performance

• Frequency response:
  5 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.15 dB (44k sample rate).
  5 Hz to 80 kHz +/- 0.25 dB (192k sample rate).
  
  
• THD+noise:
  < 0.003% (A-weighted; all sample rates).
  
  
• IMD:
  < 0.007% (SMPTE).
  
  
• S/N ratio:
  > 110 dB ref rated output.
  

Trigger

• 12 VDC trigger output.
  

Power Requirements

• 115 VAC or 230 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected).
  

Controls And Indicators

• Power: rocker switch; rear panel.
  
  
• Standby: one front panel push button; halo ring changes color to indicate status.
  
  
• Two front panel pushbuttons: Input Select; menu operation.
  
  
• One front panel knob: Volume; Tuning; menu operation.
  
  
• Display: high visibility blue alphanumeric VFD display (dimmable).
  
  
• Remote Control: compact full-function infrared remote control.
  
  
• Menu and Control System; simplified, highly intuitive menu system
  (includes Setup options, Bass, Treble, and Balance controls).
  

Mechanical

• Dimensions:
  17” wide x 2-5/8” high x 12-1/2” deep (unboxed; without connectors).
  21” long x 7” high x 17-1/2” deep (boxed).
  
  
• Weight:
  15 lbs (unboxed).
  19.5 lbs (boxed).
  

 

I considered the TA-100 for a bit but don't think I'd use the tuner or Bluetooth much. Also unsure about using a display/remote for tone controls over knobs.

 

I can't really help you with the amp (though you might also have a look at what Onkyo has to offer in your price range), but if you should end up looking for a seperate DAC, I'd recommend to have a look at the Topping D30 ($119). I have the D50 and it's a great DAC for a very good price. The D30 is supposed to be very close in performance for only half the price.

Topping D30 DAC Measurement and Review

 

what about this dac....go for the uber one
Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA.