The USB input on the trusty DLIII has stopped working. I have had this DAC in my system (Linn 5103 pre, Linn Klout amp and Linn Magic 140 speakers) for 8 years and it has worked flawlessly. One of the best audio bargains I have ever had at $400 used.
My macbook or Imac doesn’t recognize that it is connected despite trying out many different USB cables. The other digital inputs work so it is not a total loss but all of my music is redbook ALAC with a very few high res files fed from my Mac. I borrowed a friends Schiit Eiter USB to COAX device for a while and it worked fine, although now that I look they are becoming hard to come by since they stopped making them.
While I do love the sound of the DLIII with my system I am wondering if it is time to replace it, rather than spend more than half of its value attempting to patch together a system to get it to work again. I wish I could afford a PWD or the like but really my budget is closer to $500 -$750. I have been out of the market for so long I don’t really know which way to turn and fear buying any of the new inexpensive little DAC boxes out there (Schiit or Topping come to mind) although I do understand that technology changes and new tech is generally quite a step up on 10+ year old digital gear.
So any advice would be greatly appreciated. Can $500-750 buy me a better used DAC than my beloved DLIII? If not maybe I just find a USB to COAX converter. Doubt the DLIII could be repaired but I haven’t really considered that. Suggestions or ideas?