Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 DAC $285 shipped

dragon1952
dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
edited August 2012 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
I have a Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 DAC for sale. I bought this a few weeks ago just to get me by until my Cambridge Audio 840C was repaired. My CDP just arrived today so this will have to go. The VDA-2 was like a 'wow' difference compared to the Squeezebox Touch internal DAC. I think my 840C is probably a step up (also cost almost 3 x more), but the VDA-2 has been compared very favorably to, and often times liked more than, quite a few similarly priced units in the $500-$1200 range including the Dac-Magic, Benchmark, Musical Fidelity, Arcam, Beresford and some of the other more popular DAC's. I could easily live with this one in the system. Very smooth, detailed and has been described as analog sounding. Lots of reviews out there.
Capable of 24 bit/ 192k performance with 2 inputs (1 SPDIF and 1 optical), and 2 outputs, 0-180 deg phase control. Currently sells for $599. 2nd set of outputs are capped with the Cardas RCA caps. Comes in original box with walwart AC adapter and manual. Optional external power supply available through CI Audio for $199.

One tiny nick on the front panel just under the phase toggle switch and to the left a tad (see pics), otherwise perfect.
Has all the latest updates. Ridiculously good DAC for $285 shipped via USPS Priority Mail, Paypal fees included. That's less than half price.

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http://www.ciaudio.com/products/VDA2
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
Post edited by dragon1952 on
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Comments

  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited April 2012
    I really really really want to buy this....but have to save my money if I have to move for work...grrr...GLWTS, for that price it would be stupid for someone not to pick it up.
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2012
    Thanks. BTW, I should clarify that I didn't buy this brand new. When I said "I bought this a few weeks ago" I meant used.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited April 2012
    This is an awesome DAC folks, I just bought one with the external power supply and love it. That price is insane too!

    GLWTS
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2012
    Bump....thought this wouldn't last long.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited April 2012
    pm sent
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  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited April 2012
    I'm surprised it has lasted this long at that price
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited April 2012
    chandler9a wrote: »
    I'm surprised it has lasted this long at that price

    So you're loving yours Aaron? Did you have experience with any other DAC's?
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited April 2012
    Your inbox is full Dragon!
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2012
    Crap...it seems like it's always full.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,907
    edited April 2012
    This is SOLD.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited May 2012
    audiocr381ve wrote: »
    So you're loving yours Aaron? Did you have experience with any other DAC's?

    I have not heard any other DAC's on my system at least. I did a lot of research on this unit and all was very positive. People seemed to choose the CIA DAC's over all of the other ones I was looking at. I have the VDA-1 power supply which the reviewers say is a must to really get to the point where it "bests" the competition.

    I just love what it does for me, so smooth and makes the digital music a pleasure to listen to. I am not going to spend a lot of money on gear like some high end guys do so this was a great choice for me. I am looking forward to comparing it to the Keces however.

    Let us know what you think if you got it, Shane.
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  • Toddskitodd
    Toddskitodd Posts: 1
    edited August 2012
    Hello, I was wondering if this unit is still available? If so, any wiggle room with price? Just found out about this one and heard great reviews.
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  • maxchau
    maxchau Posts: 138
    edited August 2012
    It is sold.
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