Need DAC Recommendation

cmy330go

I am in the process of setting up a dedicated two channel rig. So far I have a pair of LSi9s, a Music Hall MMF-7 running through a Parasound PPH-100 phono preamp, a basic single disc Sony CD player. All of this is currently running on my older Marantz SR5000 A/V reciever until my Parasound Halo system gets here. At which time I would like to add a DAC for cd listening.

This raises a couple questions. First of all what do you guys recommend for a good budget DAC?

And also is it ok to continue using the Sony CD player as a transport? I have heard a few people suggest that a standard cd player with optical out can make a rather decent transport. Do you all agree?

Any help as always is much appreciated.

Thanks

steveinaz

Although digital "coax" out is preferred, your Sony will do fine thru fiber. Bel Canto makes a wonderful DAC (Digital design DAC2), but VERY pricey ($1,200, I think). Someone else may no good stuff at a lesser price, and used is always an option...

tonyv1

I use an MSB Link DAC III with the optional 24/132 upsampling installed. The basic MSB Link DAC III goes for $499 and the upsampling adds another $199. I use a Rotel RCD-951 as the transport with a Cardas coaxial cable. The MSB has both coax and optical inputs that automatically switches to the active signal.

organ

Used ones are much cheaper. I just purchased one from Zane in the flea market. www.audiogon.com have some good ones cheap.

Maurice

shack

I've heard some good things about the Channel Islands Audio VDA•1 for $349.

Here is their web site: http://www.ciaudio.com/

HBombToo

Originally posted by tonyv1
I use an MSB Link DAC III with the optional 24/132 upsampling installed. The basic MSB Link DAC III goes for $499 and the upsampling adds another $199. I use a Rotel RCD-951 as the transport with a Cardas coaxial cable. The MSB has both coax and optical inputs that automatically switches to the active signal.

Tony how do you like your MSB? They make some really nice products and soon I'm gonna grab the mvc-1.

HBomb

tonyv1

I like it so much that I don't miss the HDCD feature on the Rotel. The upsampler gave better top end extension without sounding edgy, grainy or harsh. Supposely using the aftermarket power supply (from MSB for $399) adds more authority to the bottom end. I rigged my DAC to be able to switch between 24/96 and 24/132 (it sucks to remove the cover just to swap jumpers) just incase the 24/132 was too shrill. It's switched to 24/132 full time.

cmy330go

WOW!! Thanks for all the great info so far. This should give me plenty to research.

In regards to the upsampler on the MSB......How much of a difference do you here between the two settings, and in what ways is it most noticeable?

Oh and does anyone know anything about one called "DAC in a Box"???? I think that was the name I heard. I may just be crazy though.

Thanks again guys. Keep it comin':)

gidrah

Yep. I've got a "DAC in the Box". To be honest with you I haven't used it too much. I just purchased a new transport and expect that to change in the near future.

organ

Cmy,
My DAC in the box is on the way. It should arrive proabably by next week. I'll let you know how it sounds when it's here. I also bought a "jitter buster" DTI unit by Audio Alchemy from audiogon for $95. Goes before the DAC to reduce jitter.

Maurice

cmy330go

ok I just saw this on audiogon.com "Perpetual Technologies P3A DAC"

Does anyone have any experience or opinion on this one? Seems new retail is $799 and there is one with 22 hrs left on the auction that is at around $200.

Any thoughts?

Thanks