USB to analog stereo audio output - Was: No Sound on Laptop

[David Fletcher]

On Sun, 2021-10-17 at 18:31 +0200, Ralf Mardorf via ubuntu-users wrote:
> [semi-off topic]
> 
> On Sun, 17 Oct 2021 16:39:54 +0100, David Fletcher wrote:
> > Also I have a USB DAC that my son got me a couple of years ago for
> > using my laptop with my Marantz amplifier. Sounds perfect and might
> > be
> > better sound quality for your presentations.
> 
> Hi,
> 
> 
> However, in my experiences the averaged USB DAC is money down the
> drain. An audio interface that does fit the sound quality of a decent
> amplifier, usually does cost as much as a decent amplifier. I'm open
> to
> suggestions of USB DACs ;).
> 
> Regards,
> Ralf
> 
My USB DAC is a Schiit Modi 2. Made in USA! Review here:-
https://hometheaterhifi.com/blogs/schiit-modi-2-desktop-dac-review/
I'm really pleased with it. When gifted to me I had a NAD which was
progressively becoming more troublesome and eventually deemed to be
"beyond economical repair". I now have a Marantz PM6007 which I am
pleased with. It does everything I want and nothing I don't want.

Further off topic, probably, but we are talking here about getting high
quality audio out of a Linux computer and into a decent HiFi. I have
heard it reckoned that one should buy a reasonably priced amplifier
that has the inputs you need (the PM6007 is around GBP500) then
speakers that please you. I have some fairly small Mordaunt-Short ones
that sound great to me and are fine for my size of living room.

Also HiFi amplifiers are now available with their own USB inputs so, I
suppose, consider taking your Linux laptop along to a shop with a
listening room to try that out too.

Dave