DAC for use with Mac Pro

[VirtualRain]

Hi, I'm looking for a DAC with optical input and two-channel output that I can use between the Mac Pro and a couple of studio monitors.

Any recommendations?

Ideally something for a few hundred $$.

 

[ChrisA]

Hi, I'm looking for a DAC with optical input and two-channel output that I can use between the Mac Pro and a couple of studio monitors.

Any recommendations?

Ideally something for a few hundred $$.

With that low budget you'd be best off buying one of those home theatre receivers.

But why optical? Why not use a USB or Firewire audio interface? There are plenty of good units for under $100 Some have ballanced line outs that will drive powered studio monitors

 

[VirtualRain]

With that low budget you'd be best off buying one of those home theatre receivers.

But why optical? Why not use a USB or Firewire audio interface? There are plenty of good units for under $100 Some have ballanced line outs that will drive powered studio monitors

What's a good/attractive USB/Firewire DAC for under a few bills?

 

[ChrisA]

What's a good/attractive USB/Firewire DAC for under a few bills?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0202USB/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US122L

There must be 50 of these on the market. Pick a brand you like and read the specs. These are mostly aimed at recording but they have good monitoring ability too. Some have separate speaker and headphone volume controls.

 

[VirtualRain]

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/0202USB/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/US122L

There must be 50 of these on the market. Pick a brand you like and read the specs. These are mostly aimed at recording but they have good monitoring ability too. Some have separate speaker and headphone volume controls.

Thanks, which one is considered the best bang for the buck and or the best audiophile quality for under a few hundred $$$... does anyone here have any experience with these to share?

EDIT: This looks SWEET!!!! Lexicon U22... http://www.lexiconpro.com/ and it's $300.