What the DAC!? help me choose

stangman67

Hey guys,

Ive been slowly piecing together a modest 2 channel setup for when i return from deployment. So far i have purchased speakers (lsim703s), integrated amp (Teac Ai2000) and a bluesound node 2 for my digital source. I am now in search of a dac to fully take advantage of the rest of my gear. I have read the onboard dac on the node 2 is decent but not great. I am looking for a dac for 500 dollars or under, not that i cant spend more but a 1000 or 1500 dac kind of kills the 2 channel system on a midfi price level.

So ive done my fairshare of research and i narrowed down to a few choices, i was dead set on a Schiit bifrost until i read some things on this forum a few years back that make me second guess that choice. Other dacs ive looked at are a used ps audio direct link 3, peachtree dac itx, cambrige dac magic, and a host of others. Still i am leaning towards the bifrost. There are tons of threads on this but everyone always has something negative to say about every product, and i respect the opinions of people here, so if you had 500 to spend on a dac, what would you buy?

One more thing, I don't consider myself an audiophile, I love music but I don't need it to be reproduced perfectly, I just want it to sound good if that makes sense. I won't worry if the sound isn't tonally perfect, or missing a bit of detail etc. I just good musical sound.

Thanks,
zach

polkfarmboy

I have a chord Gem dac that may fit your bill, no lack of detail going on but its a 96 via usb so its a technical drawback.It does have bluetooth if your running music from your phone, I would let that go for $450 plus fees

[Deleted User]

I don't like the lsmi 703's full range for 2 channel listening.
(In my best @F1nut)

stangman67

Thanks, but the 703's are what I bought and I doubt I'll be disappointed at the 750 dollar/pair price point. If after set up, I feel the setup needs a sub, I will add one.

Pfb, thanks. Looks like a quality unit but the lack of toslink is a turn off for me.

[Deleted User]

You don't like the DAC in the bluenote?
I assume you want a DAC for better resolution.
I would consider a pre with a built in Xover and build
and 2.1 or 2.2 system. When you run the 703's full
out you lose lower end definition and aaah, data.
They get mushy under 50hz and it effects the sound ABOVE
50hz.

I haven't found a DAC w/ a Xover in your price range...

stangman67

Haven't heard any of it yet. All waiting in boxes at home. I'm new to this integrated amp thing, I'm thinking this whole time, oh I'll just crossover the speakers and add a sub. Whoops, not so easy with an integrated. Well I will see how it all works out. Again, I'm not looking for perfect sound, just something fun to listen to. And I think the 703's will fit that purpose nicely

stangman67

Getting a little off topic. If the 703's are really that bad full range then they can move into the ht and the lsi15's can move to the 2 channel rig. I want to keep the setup relatively simple, hence integrated amp, and a digital media player.

[Deleted User]

Oh, I see. hmmm. I like the pieces you have picked so far.
Well, I think you are going to LOVE the 703's. I do.
I listen to them every chance I get.

Maybe wait on the DAC? Lose the stock chords on the
bluenote and go from there?
Have fun and report back when you get a chance.

stangman67

Certainly waiting on a dac is probably the better option. I'm just sitting here on a ship and audio research is about the only thing keeping me sane lol. I'll be using quality interconnects, speaker wires for sure.

tonyb

stangman67 wrote: »

Certainly waiting on a dac is probably the better option. I'm just sitting here on a ship and audio research is about the only thing keeping me sane lol. I'll be using quality interconnects, speaker wires for sure.

Use the dac on the Node first and see how it sounds to you. Then come back and tell us what you don't like about the sound and we can better steer you in the right direction.

Personally, the Bitfrost would not be on my list, but that's just my preference.

Jaybeez

I got back into 2 channel fairly recently and held off on the DAC until I was pretty sure it would make a difference.
I just pulled the trigger on an excellent used Bifrost, with Uber and USB upgrades.
I listen to vinyl and CDs but most of my stuff is electronic, so wanted something to tame the digital beast.

stangman67

Thanks again for all the input,

Skip, The IHI music system looks very intriguing but I'd like to keep what I have already bought. I bought the TEAC at a deep discount and have heard nothing negative about it. The price/performance of the Teac should be very very good at the price I paid.

Jaybeez, interested to hear your thoughts of the Bifrost, it seems to be quite polarizing. People either think its the best value out there or way too "detailed" and bright. I hate bright so maybe the Bifrost just isn't for me.

Nightfall

For $600 you can get a Marantz DAC that even does DSD with both digital inputs and USB. The headphone amp is icing on the cake.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marhddac1/marantz-hd-dac1-headphone-amplifier-with-dac-mode/1.html

stangman67

I'll take a look, initial observations look good and it's 499 right now, so right about what I am looking to spend. Thanks!

Nightfall

The HDACC up-samples all low res music sources (mp3, wav files, vinyl, tape too!)

Since when is WAV, vinyl, or R2R low res?

Looks like an awesome DAC Skip, I think that's the first DAC I've ever seen with HDMI.

Mikey081057

Find yourself a used Marantz SA8004 SACD has a nice dac and SACD player..

[Deleted User]

if you want to stay in the family this looks interesting.
http://www.audiolab.com/TEAC_AI_301DA_Bluetooth_USB_DAC_Amplifier_p/teaai301da.htm

Irrenhaus

rednedtugent wrote: »

if you want to stay in the family this looks interesting.
http://www.audiolab.com/TEAC_AI_301DA_Bluetooth_USB_DAC_Amplifier_p/teaai301da.htm

I have the UD-301 and love it. Great price at $399.00 and will do DSD.

Cheers

txcoastal1

FYI
Teac is no slouch in technology as they are the same company as Esoteric

F1nut

stangman67 wrote: »

I'm new to this integrated amp thing, I'm thinking this whole time, oh I'll just crossover the speakers and add a sub. Whoops, not so easy with an integrated.

Get a REL sub.

stangman67

I have read great things about newer Teac stuff, hence why I went with their distinction line of integrated amps. Esoteric engineers were involved in the design

tonyb

stangman67 wrote: »

I have read great things about newer Teac stuff, hence why I went with their distinction line of integrated amps. Esoteric engineers were involved in the design

Maybe so, but anyone who thinks they are getting anywhere close to an Esoteric in sound or build quality for 400 bucks is fooling themselves.

That said, I see nothing wrong with teac stuff, better sounding than a lot of similar priced products out there. Dacs anyway, integrateds I've hadn't so far been able to get an ear on any Teac's.

stangman67

Yea I doubt the lower end teac has anything to do with Esoteric, unfortunately the distinction line was discontinued, it didn't seem to be a popular line in the USA but the ones that have had them have loved them.

ROHfan

stangman67 wrote: »

Yea I doubt the lower end teac has anything to do with Esoteric, unfortunately the distinction line was discontinued, it didn't seem to be a popular line in the USA but the ones that have had them have loved them.

I get mine (UD-301) tonight. Bought it based on excellent reviews.

kharp1

I just purchased a UD-301 to have as a "portable" type system. For the money I couldn't pass it up. Hopefully it's a decent piece.

Jaybeez

stangman67 wrote: »

Thanks again for all the input,

Skip, The IHI music system looks very intriguing but I'd like to keep what I have already bought. I bought the TEAC at a deep discount and have heard nothing negative about it. The price/performance of the Teac should be very very good at the price I paid.

Jaybeez, interested to hear your thoughts of the Bifrost, it seems to be quite polarizing. People either think its the best value out there or way too "detailed" and bright. I hate bright so maybe the Bifrost just isn't for me.

stangman67 wrote: »

Thanks again for all the input,

Skip, The IHI music system looks very intriguing but I'd like to keep what I have already bought. I bought the TEAC at a deep discount and have heard nothing negative about it. The price/performance of the Teac should be very very good at the price I paid.

Jaybeez, interested to hear your thoughts of the Bifrost, it seems to be quite polarizing. People either think its the best value out there or way too "detailed" and bright. I hate bright so maybe the Bifrost just isn't for me.

I'm really digging the Bifrost. I just A/B'd a CD (Eagles "When Hell Freezes Over") run through the Bifrost vs. straight from my CD player (Marantz CD5004). The Bifrost is way more detailed, with tighter bass and clear, neutral midrange. "Hotel California" sounded significantly better on the Bifrost.
I don't find it at all bright, but am playing it through a Yamaha Integrated in Pure Direct mode and Ascend Sierra 2's, both ensure a pretty neutral presentation.