Upgrade from Chaintec AV-710 to vintage stereo?

[Boltaction]

Hi, my main system is Windows 7 64bit and I am still using the old Chaintech AV-710 for its Wolfson DAC and Foobar resampling the audio to 24/96 to match the DAC. The audio goes over analog mini jack to RCA to a Concept 16.5, then to a set of Polk 10's and 5's. It sounds quite good, but I am wondering if better sounding cards at a low price have come out in the last 6 years.

 

[jakebot]

Good question I too have thought about my Creative X-Treme Gamer card being my weakest link in my PC stereo setup.

 

[HammerSandwich]

I added a Benchmark DAC1 to my Chaintech AV-710 and think it was a BIG upgrade.

 

[Boltaction]

I added a Benchmark DAC1 to my Chaintech AV-710 and think it was a BIG upgrade.

Well, I was thinking... affordable. Under $100.

 

[shadowofzeus]

Well there is the HRT Music Streamer II High Resolution USB D/A Converter. It available on amazon for around 150. I read some really good reviews.

 

[HammerSandwich]

Well, I was thinking... affordable. Under $100.

There's definitely room in the middle. Unfortunately, I don't know that end of the market too well. I'd have suggested the $129 Nuforce, but it suddenly appears less than well engineered.

How old are your Polks? I used to have a set of SDA-CRS+ in the 90s.

 

[Solstice]

Beresford DAC (you get a headphone amp in it too) on eBay should be within budget. Read some very worrying things about NuForce DAC on this blog: http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/nuforce-udac-2-drama.html

 

[450]

Keep what you have. Save for bigger upgrades.