Bargain Basement, Giant Killing DACs for PC Audio

As an aside, I notice that a lot of these bargain basement USB DACs seem to also have headphone amplifiers?

Is this because they assume that a significant percentage of people using these USB DACs will want to use headphones?

As I go out of my way to not listen to headphones unless I am on an airplane or in the gym, its a bit like getting a DAC with a toaster oven to me.

Why don't USB DACs have a simple attenuator instead?

Then, I could use my bargain basement USB DAC with active monitors or just a power amp.

In the giant killer rankings, I also wonder why now getting pretty old Levinson DACs still sell for a few thousand bucks.

So let's hear more recommendations.

Cwlondon - it's possible I don't understand the functionality you're looking for but I think the Beresford TC-7520 does exactly that, as does the Nuforce uDAC.

Both have USB input and variable analog output controlled by a front panel knob that you can connect directly to a power amp or active speakers.

At $225, The Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-09 may be one of the best deals in audio today. It won't beat a $1000+ DAC, but I'd put it up against most any $500 CDP. Takes coax, USB, optical, and analog inputs and has a headphone amp to boot.

Sfar,

Ah - perhaps I didnt realize that I could also use those devices as a "preamp" of sorts, using the front knob as a volume control with the RCA outputs in the back?

In fact, I have a uDAC somewhere in the collection, but had only used it on airplanes with headpones...

Thank you.

Yes, the Nuforce uDAC is a great device for what you describe, it really improves the sound from a laptop while traveling and it takes up almost no space. As a DAC, I wouldn't describe it as a giant killer but it is a real bargain, either as a DAC or a cheap preamp.

I would describe the Aune SE and the Beresford 7520 with the upgraded opamps as giant killers at their prices. I bought the Beresford after my local high-end shop salesman admitted he had a hard time selling any of his more expensive DAC's after customers listened to the Beresford. I'd like to hear some of the new, more expensive DAC's like the Wyred or the Burson but I'm pretty happy with the Beresford for now.