Quote: Originally Posted by Jackboot
I wish there was a simple 2-channel EQ with optical input!
How experienced are you with DIY electronics? What you want
does exist, but only if you build it yourself. It's not too complicated. I've assembeled most of the parts for that DAC, and I'm going to give it a try, although it won't be in my car other than to see how well it works. It supports 24 bit 96kHz, but only outputs at 1.2v RMS, which is weak. What's really interesting is that you could have a S-N up to 120dB with a few changes. There's no EQ, although there are EQ projects at several sites.
I think you'd be better off, however, going with a commercial unit. But as I mentioned in the other thread, you're going to get a lot of features you don't want or need, and there are only a handful of choices under $1000. The ADD51T is still the best deal, if you can live with two band EQ "adjustment" and some crappy EQ presets. It has some other functions which are quite nice though.
Red, the Alpine unit does seem expensive when all you want from it is digital input for stereo music and an equalizer. If you were going to use more of its features, then it would indeed be a good deal compared to other products that are similar.