Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark DAC by Alex Cavalli (AKM4493)
Product # 38965
UPC # 889028131183
$99.99
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Browse 45 questions
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Would it make sense, or have any effect on sound quality, to connect this between an Apple TV and an AVR?
Ben G
on Mar 5, 2021
BEST ANSWER: you could use the analog input of your AVR but you are limited to 2 channel output i.e 2 speakers. Its way better than a 1500 USD AVR's inbuilt DAC so go for it. AVR's are a bane to the audio industry.
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- New User U on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 1, 2021
BEST ANSWER: you could use the analog input of your AVR but you are limited to 2 channel output i.e 2 speakers. Its way better than a 1500 USD AVR's inbuilt DAC so go for it. AVR's are a bane to the audio industry.
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- New User U on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 1, 2021
Depends on the quality of the DAC and the analog inputs in the AVR. You would do this if the Liquid Spark, plus an extra line of analog cables, gave you better sound than direct digital in to the AVR. You would definitely not do this if your AVR converts analog inputs into digital, and back to analog again before the amplifier stage.
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- Daniel C on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Feb 21, 2021
Apple TV doesn't have a usb, coaxial, or optical output, at least on the one I have. So i wouldn't get it for that but if you have something else that does have those outputs, its's very good performance for the money.
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- Zachary R on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
Only if you have a nice home theater with quality speakers. Keep in mind this is a stereo dac so you won’t get surround sound that way. Everything will be in stereo.
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- Cristian Q on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Feb 19, 2021
It would sound better. But it wont make a hige difference with normal tv listening. If you were using headphones I would say its a must.
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- New User U on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 2, 2021
AVR has internal DAC which can’t be bypassed. So it would pointless to add external DAC.
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- bill t on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 6, 2021
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Does the DAC come with the USB cable necessary to connect it to a PC?
A shopper
on Oct 5, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It does. You will find power adapter and USB cable in the box.
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- GEORGE M on Oct 5, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: It does. You will find power adapter and USB cable in the box.
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- GEORGE M on Oct 5, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 16, 2020
I don't believe it came with a USB cable. If it did, it was too short and I left it in the box.
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- C H on Oct 5, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 22, 2020
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When using USB from a computer, can the volume output of this DAC be controlled by the operating system's soft volume control?
New User U
on Feb 15, 2021
BEST ANSWER: If I understand the question, you control the volume the same way you would if the dac wasn't there. You just use the Windows volume control. If you have an amp with volume control, obviously you can adjust it with that also. In my case I needed an amp to get sufficient volume for my HE-400i's. A dac alone won't increase volume over your motherboard audio.
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- Stephen P on May 27, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 27, 2021
BEST ANSWER: If I understand the question, you control the volume the same way you would if the dac wasn't there. You just use the Windows volume control. If you have an amp with volume control, obviously you can adjust it with that also. In my case I needed an amp to get sufficient volume for my HE-400i's. A dac alone won't increase volume over your motherboard audio.
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- Stephen P on May 27, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 27, 2021
Yes. This unit automatically outputs max volume on the hardware front but the software volume can always be controlled.
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- New User U on May 27, 2021
- Purchased on Jan 1, 2021
Yes you can. You can also use an amp by turning off the sound card on the computer.
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- Greg on May 27, 2021
- Purchased on Mar 15, 2021
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To use with a Android phone what kind of adapter do I need ?
Antonio M
on Apr 5, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You'd need a cable with USB-C (phone output) to USB-B (DAC input)
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
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- Pravin A on May 21, 2021
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You'd need a cable with USB-C (phone output) to USB-B (DAC input)
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
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- Pravin A on May 21, 2021
- Purchased on Nov 2, 2020
This does not connect to an Android or an iPhone for that matter. It connects to a computer via USB.
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- Mark B on May 21, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 7, 2020
USB adapter > 3.5mm to RCA adapter > Amplifier
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- C H on May 21, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 22, 2020
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Does it work with Mac OS without drivers?
New User U
on Feb 11, 2021
BEST ANSWER: it does. Just plug it in and select USB input source. One limitation - volume control would not work.
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- GEORGE M on Feb 11, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: it does. Just plug it in and select USB input source. One limitation - volume control would not work.
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- GEORGE M on Feb 11, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 16, 2020
Yes. Shows up immediately in sound system prefs as soon as it is connected and powered up.
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- Mark B on Feb 11, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 7, 2020
It is plug-n-play. I did not have to manually install a driver.
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- Thomas C on Feb 11, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
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Any way we can have the measurements for the dac?
Daniel T
on Sep 22, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We will absolutely post measurements closer to launch.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 23, 2019
BEST ANSWER: We will absolutely post measurements closer to launch.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 23, 2019
Are we absolutely closer yet?
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- Ronald S on Oct 21, 2019
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Does it work with gaming headsets that use microphone as well? And will the headset microphone both work, and not just the headset?
A shopper
on Sep 26, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, this unit is intended for connection to a separate amplifier with a volume control and jack for headphones/headsets.
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- Thomas C on Sep 26, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No, this unit is intended for connection to a separate amplifier with a volume control and jack for headphones/headsets.
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- Thomas C on Sep 26, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
Headphones will work but the microphone will not work.
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- Danor G on Sep 26, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
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There is no 16bit or 24bit options of output format in Windows 10, only found 32bit. How to choose?
New User U
on Apr 2, 2021
BEST ANSWER: I have inquired with Tech Support to see if there is an updated USB driver that would give the option to choose 16/24/32 bit depth and asked for a manual that was not include with my unit. I have no issues playing 16 or 24 bit files using the 32 bit settings.
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- Thomas C on Apr 2, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I have inquired with Tech Support to see if there is an updated USB driver that would give the option to choose 16/24/32 bit depth and asked for a manual that was not include with my unit. I have no issues playing 16 or 24 bit files using the 32 bit settings.
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- Thomas C on Apr 2, 2021
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
I have the same issue, I need 24 bit 48hz option for atmos but only 32 bit shows.Enter
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- Luke D on Apr 27, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 23, 2021
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could someone upload the latest driver of this MONOLITH LIQUID SPARK DAC? My windows 10 computer says the unknown driver.
A shopper
on Apr 14, 2021
BEST ANSWER: It doesn't just work. It recognizes the device but the driver is still unknown and forces only 32 bit modes you can't use atmos with it because you can't select 24 bit 48 hz.
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- Luke D on Apr 28, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 23, 2021
BEST ANSWER: It doesn't just work. It recognizes the device but the driver is still unknown and forces only 32 bit modes you can't use atmos with it because you can't select 24 bit 48 hz.
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- Luke D on Apr 28, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 23, 2021
I don’t believe it needs a driver. Just works automatically.
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- Cristian Q on Apr 14, 2021
- Purchased on Feb 19, 2021
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Will this include the power supply?
A shopper
on Sep 13, 2019
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Does this unit work with android smartphones?
Paul l
on Dec 2, 2019
BEST ANSWER: You would need a usb-c to usb female adaptor, if you're comfortable with adaptors, then yes
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- Zachary R on Feb 9, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You would need a usb-c to usb female adaptor, if you're comfortable with adaptors, then yes
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- Zachary R on Feb 9, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
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Can the DAC be powered via USB?
Seunghoon Y
on May 25, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No. It requires an external 12v, 1 amp power supply.
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- Thomas C on Sep 18, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: No. It requires an external 12v, 1 amp power supply.
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- Thomas C on Sep 18, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
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Is this a real product that you actually intend to release some day?
A shopper
on Jun 11, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes. It's ready to ship from the factory.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 12, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Yes. It's ready to ship from the factory.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 12, 2020
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Do you have to download a driver to use the USB input on this dac ? I often use a chromebook as a source, so will it work with one ?
Jason S
on Sep 15, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You will need to download an XMOS driver for Chromebooks. The Spark DAC is compatible with Windows 10 machines.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: You will need to download an XMOS driver for Chromebooks. The Spark DAC is compatible with Windows 10 machines.
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- New User U Staff on Sep 21, 2020
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Is there any reason to not use this for my Mac Mini music server, USB in, to RCA out to my home stereo system (not just as a headphone set up)?
Kenneth H
on Sep 16, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I use it for my stereo setup and it sounds very nice. The DAC works really well in both applications.
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- Zachary R on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I use it for my stereo setup and it sounds very nice. The DAC works really well in both applications.
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- Zachary R on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
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Does the DAC come with a power supply?
A shopper
on Sep 22, 2020
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What chords do use to go from liquid s
What chords do I use to go from my liquid spark DAC to my 3.5 mm headphone jack on my cell phone? Detaild info please! Complete newbie!!!
What chords do I use to go from my liquid spark DAC to my 3.5 mm headphone jack on my cell phone? Detaild info please! Complete newbie!!!
A shopper
on Oct 6, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I would use a 3.5mm to stereo RCA cable.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 6, 2020
BEST ANSWER: I would use a 3.5mm to stereo RCA cable.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 6, 2020
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Vote for the best answer above!
Is the RCA output variable by means of front volume knob?
A shopper
on Oct 8, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There isn't a volume knob on the DAC. The output is fixed.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 8, 2020
BEST ANSWER: There isn't a volume knob on the DAC. The output is fixed.
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- New User U Staff on Oct 8, 2020
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Can I plug a CD player into this?
A shopper
on Oct 21, 2020
BEST ANSWER: As long as your cd player has a usb, coaxial, or optical output
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- Zachary R on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
BEST ANSWER: As long as your cd player has a usb, coaxial, or optical output
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- Zachary R on Mar 5, 2021
- Purchased on Dec 28, 2020
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Do you provide an UK plug?
A shopper
on Nov 24, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Original power supply is 100-220v so can work in uk, all you need is adapter to wall socket.
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- Danor G on Nov 24, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: Original power supply is 100-220v so can work in uk, all you need is adapter to wall socket.
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- Danor G on Nov 24, 2020
- Purchased on Sep 14, 2020
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I'm new to amps and DACs. I purchased a liquid spark amp and want to buy the liquid spark DAC but I don't know what cables I need to buy to connect the DAC to the amp. I bought a 3.5 to RCA which works with connecting the amp to my laptop but I know with the DAC it will use a USB to go from DAC to laptop. So what cable do I need to connect the amp to the DAC?
A shopper
on Dec 5, 2020
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What is the analog output voltage?
A shopper
on Apr 3, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Audio Science Review measured 1.99v on the unit they reviewed.
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- Darryl G on Apr 30, 2021
BEST ANSWER: Audio Science Review measured 1.99v on the unit they reviewed.
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- Darryl G on Apr 30, 2021
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The AKM4493 has 6 built-in digital filters. Are these selectable by the user (as they are in SMSL Sanskrit)?
A shopper
on Jun 8, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You CANNOT select filters!! But the one used by Dr. Cavalli sounds mighty fine! It is probably the Min. Phase Fast filter, which I prefer on other DACs.
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- Inaccurate
- Gregg R on Jun 9, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 13, 2021
BEST ANSWER: You CANNOT select filters!! But the one used by Dr. Cavalli sounds mighty fine! It is probably the Min. Phase Fast filter, which I prefer on other DACs.
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- Inaccurate
- Gregg R on Jun 9, 2021
- Purchased on Apr 13, 2021
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Vote for the best answer above!
Is there any guestimate of when this will be available again?
New User U
on Jun 15, 2021
BEST ANSWER: When the AKM4493 is available again from AKM.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 15, 2021
BEST ANSWER: When the AKM4493 is available again from AKM.
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- New User U Staff on Jun 15, 2021
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When will this be available?
New User U
on Nov 8, 2019
@Monoprice Staff: Any update as to the release date for the Liquid Spark DAC yet? Seems like people have been quite patient Awaiting details, so perhaps breaking the silence (even a bit) would be a nice gesture.
Steven S
on May 18, 2020
Out of stock??? I requested a notification once it was in stock and I received nothing! I want next in line :)!
A shopper
on Jul 7, 2020
Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
9 Reviews
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Rated 5 out of 5
Nice little DAC!
REALLY like it! I did a side by side from the same source; this DAC was cleaner, louder (by ~5db) and fuller than the integrated DAC in my amp.
The DAC doesn't feel cheap; conversely it feels well made. It's simple to use. I would purchase again!
The DAC doesn't feel cheap; conversely it feels well made. It's simple to use. I would purchase again!
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great DAC for the money
I really like this DAC. It sounds great, easy to use and it was very reasonable. I would recommend this DAC to anyone who is wanting to try a DAC instead of their computer sound card.
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Rated 5 out of 5
The ordeal
After 3 weeks, 3 emails without a response and 2 phone calls the Liquid Spark DAC arrived. It was purchased as an experiment as my good CD player is no longer being supported and i was curious about what an outboard DAC could do given that I'd only recently replaced the transport and laser. You can thank Amir at audio science review for my purchase, it is a result of his measurements and his recommending this DAC. The Liquid Spark has exceeded my hopes. Out of the box crisper highs without sibilance, more detail without loss of warmth. Disappointed with the experience but happy with the result
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great $100 dac
It's a solid $100 dollar dac. I really like the multiple inputs, it allows a lot of flexibility in changing sources quickly. It sounds very nice, and makes practically no noise. Only noise I hear is from my amp when I use items.
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Rated 5 out of 5
colored sound but no complains here
i paired it with a topping A50.
Since i listen to a lot of 70's maybe the old recording limitations are better with a colored DAC rather than a linear option.
Alex Cavalli tuning makes this a top recommendation.
Since i listen to a lot of 70's maybe the old recording limitations are better with a colored DAC rather than a linear option.
Alex Cavalli tuning makes this a top recommendation.
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Rated 4 out of 5
Great product
This DAC sounds incredible
Tidal sounds better from this DAV out of my my $200 computer its sounds better then the hdmi into
pioneer elite LX 503.
The DAC goes in analog to the same LX503.
This even sounds better then the native tidal app built into the pioneer interface.
My only complaint which is more of a recommendation for next version would be to include LEDs to indicate bit rate and sampling rate of the file it is receiving.
Otherwise for a 100 bucks its a must if you playback hires files via a computer.
Monoprice is doing good things
Keep it up
Tidal sounds better from this DAV out of my my $200 computer its sounds better then the hdmi into
pioneer elite LX 503.
The DAC goes in analog to the same LX503.
This even sounds better then the native tidal app built into the pioneer interface.
My only complaint which is more of a recommendation for next version would be to include LEDs to indicate bit rate and sampling rate of the file it is receiving.
Otherwise for a 100 bucks its a must if you playback hires files via a computer.
Monoprice is doing good things
Keep it up
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Rated 5 out of 5
Total game changer
Very excited to hook up the new Focal Kanta N°3. Fired up the Chromecast Audio, and Qobuz. Sounded....grainy. Hmmm, maybe the tweeters need to break in. Then I remembered the little box I got from Monoprice before the trip to go pick up the Focals. Plugged it into the Chromecast Audio, and wow! I've been smiling ever since. I really can't believe the smoothness, depth of bass, and clarity of imaging that this little DAC brought out. I imagine with a really top quality source the effect would be even greater.
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Rated 4 out of 5
Not too bad, but the Schiit Modi 3 sounds better in some respects
This Liquid Spark DAC sounds good and it does not break the bank for under one hundred dollars. I put it head to head with the leader of $100 DACs, the Schiit Modi 3. The Schiit Modi 3 sounded much better. Especially with regards to higher frequencies which were diminished or absent in the Liquid Spark DAC in comparison to the Schiit Modi 3.
So, what does the Liquid Spark DAC do better than the Schiit Modi 3? It is able to reject electrical interference much better. My computer puts out a lot of electrical noise that my high end well shielded audio cables are able to reject. However, the Schiit Modi 3 defeats this effort by picking up every little bit of electrical noise. This results in audible static and pops. The Liquid Spark DAC is DEAD SILENT. It must have very good shielding with the thick metal sides of the case. So, the Liquid Spark DAC has replaced my Schiit Modi 3 DAC next to my computer. This works out great because it looks fantastic stacked on my Liquid Spark headphone amplifier. They both share the same design. If you did not know already, the Liquid Spark headphone amp, is the best $100 headphone amplifier on the planet.
So, what does the Liquid Spark DAC do better than the Schiit Modi 3? It is able to reject electrical interference much better. My computer puts out a lot of electrical noise that my high end well shielded audio cables are able to reject. However, the Schiit Modi 3 defeats this effort by picking up every little bit of electrical noise. This results in audible static and pops. The Liquid Spark DAC is DEAD SILENT. It must have very good shielding with the thick metal sides of the case. So, the Liquid Spark DAC has replaced my Schiit Modi 3 DAC next to my computer. This works out great because it looks fantastic stacked on my Liquid Spark headphone amplifier. They both share the same design. If you did not know already, the Liquid Spark headphone amp, is the best $100 headphone amplifier on the planet.




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Rated 5 out of 5
Outstanding Affordable DAC
This is a great DAC for the money. I've used all three of its inputs: USB, coax, optical. Each worked flawlessly and the USB was plug-n-play with my Windows 10 PCs and laptops. It upsampled the 16-bit/44.1 kbps CD files on my network server to 32-bit/352.8 kbps when playing back via USB with a compatible Windows audio player. The AKM4493 DAC is an excellent quality, highly musical sounding device.
It is the same small form factor as the companion Liquid Spark Headphone amp. No instruction manual or reference guide was supplied. It came with a 12v/1 amp wall-wart power supply and a USB A-to-B cable. The input indicator LED will flash if the selected input has no signal. The higher upsampling afforded by the USB port is an improvement compared to playing CDs on a cheap CD player through its optical/coax inputs.
It is the same small form factor as the companion Liquid Spark Headphone amp. No instruction manual or reference guide was supplied. It came with a 12v/1 amp wall-wart power supply and a USB A-to-B cable. The input indicator LED will flash if the selected input has no signal. The higher upsampling afforded by the USB port is an improvement compared to playing CDs on a cheap CD player through its optical/coax inputs.
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