New to DAC, need advice.

“@2psyop I’m streaming Tidal HiFi from my Windows 10 PC to the ZDac via USB then into a Micromega IA-100 integrated. So I’m ok with USB to the Pro-ject. I like the dual mono as well and it’s certainly in my price range. I’m curious about your comment about digital out from the Pro-ject into another DAC. What is the benefit of using two DACS in series?”

Well you would not be using the DAC in series. With a dac or streaming/dac device that incorporates a digital out connection you would be able to BYPASS the internal DAC in that device to output the digital signal to the external DAC for better sound. An example woud be: The Bluesound Node 2 connected to the Ayre Codex DAC. In the settings menu of the Node 2 one can choose to send the digital signal unconverted to the Ayre for full DAC process. If, as in the case of the Ayre, the external DAC is MQA capable then the complete MQA signal will be handled by the Ayre.

BTW the Ayre Codex is a $2000 DAC, therefore it is sure to sound better than the internal DAC of the Bluesound!

@2psyop Thank you very much. I appreciate you educating me without being condescending to my lack of knowledge. You wouldn't have an Ayre lying around that you'd sell to me for the price of the Pro-ject would you? Figured I'd ask...

haha!! Thats great! I can send you the Ayre Codex via fedex. Oh wait I dont have one, even for myself to use. I would either try to Pro-Ject and let us all know how it sounds....or save a few bucks and get the Bluesound. But hey don’t forget the Meridian Explorer 2 for $199.00. It is a USB DAC stick that will handle Tidal MQA. Great for testing the waters...

@2psyop Well I got the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital. I appreciate everyone's input. I can say without hesitation this DAC is FAR superior to the Parasound Zdac whether playing MQA files or anything else. I could not be happier with my choice. To my ears it is simply amazing.

What are you using to push Tidal to the S2 Box?