Help me out with a DAC!

Joey_V
Joey_V Posts: 8,553
edited January 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Ok ok... I guess the DAC is the next upgrade on the butcher's block.

So, give me your tips regarding DAC choices!

Zero (Sean) told me about Scott Nixon's Tube DAC and Wavelength DAC (which is insanely expensive, you fool!!)...

There are several solid DACs that are staples of the audiophile market; namely the Benchmark DAC1.

Now, I personally talked to Mark Schifter and he told me that the PS Audio Digital III DAC is one solid DAC that is better for my taste (warmer, more solid imaging) than the Benchmark...

Let me know what you guys got for me...

THANKS!
Joey
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,553
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    You're a glutton for punishment, aren't ya boy?

    I posted this before the little "fallout" on the other thread, Seany boy. No cables are to be brought up in this thread, just tell me what DAC you recommend, regardless of how anyone feels I'm going "wrong" in my system.

    Nothing over $1K, if at all possible.

    - Balanced outputs preferable.

    As always, thanks.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,491
    edited December 2006
    The USB input on the new PS Audio DAC seems like a very well thought out addition for how many users are listening to music these days. That feature alone sets it apart from most others on the market.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    For your taste in source, I agree with the PS Audio.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    Benchmark makes on helluva a nice DAC. Steveinaz has one and swears by it. Hopefully he'll chime in. There may be a pretty comprehensive review in the archives somewhere.

    Monarchy makes some outstanding units as well, especially their new line stage tube Dac. Model 24, I will own this very soon.

    http://www.stereotimes.com/acc071806.shtml

    http://www.monarchyaudio.com/TubeDac.html
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    I love the Timbre TT- 1 DAC I have, it produces the warmer more solid imaging you are looking for. New it was about $3500 to $4000 but I got mine used, shipped for $925. It has every type of conceivable input and balanced outputs. To me this DAC makes CDs sound very much like LPs. This think is built like a tank, very heavy and very well built. The manufacturer recommends leaving it powered up at all times. I love it, I now can listen to CDs.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited December 2006
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista, Museatex Bitdat or Bitstream (think EMM Labs, he designed them). The newer Bel Canto DAC3 might be worth a look too, but I don't know what it's going for.

    On the cheaper end, I liked the Bel Canto DAC 1.1 and DAC 2. both were velvety smooth yet detailed, the DAC 2 was slightly better.

    The MF 3.24cr that I have now is very nice, built like a tank at 20+ pounds, same circuit/design as the Nu-Vista (without Nu-Vista tubes) and has excellent jitter measurements. The X-DAC might be a bit better but from what I've read you need the power supply for it to really sing.

    Or you could just go balls to the all and get the big dCS stack or EMM labs...
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    .... or how 'bout going the route that I'm about to take.

    A Lite Audio DAC-ah (modded by Pacific Valve) paired with a Monarchy Audio Classic DIP. The combination should be stellar at its pricepoint of roughly $350.

    http://www.monarchyaudio.com/DIP.htm
    http://www.pacificvalve.us/LTDACAHM.html
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,553
    edited December 2006
    Thanks everyone, I'll check those all out. Interestingly enough, I was also looking at the Lite Audio DAC and the Trivista. I have to look into Hearingimpaired's DAC and a bunch of others posted in this thread....

    Thanks again for looking out for me.

    Joey :)
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    Just give Frank at Signal a call... tell him what you have and he'll set you up. And that doesn't mean selling you his most expensive products. He is a firm believer in system synergy and sells his products accordingly.
    917-957-8508

    I don't know where you're getting your $1500 pricemark, but at least pony up on some Analog 2's and Classic Speaker cables and you're looking at maybe, $125. Go used and you're looking considerably cheaper (with 'em already burned-in:p )

    With the option to return within 60 days. Hell, get the Analog One's for cheaper... I found them to have their own strengths over the Two's -- though certainly not better cables.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    I forsee a lonely and blue Christmas for your's truly.

    Try to send her back in one piece, willya?
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited December 2006
    +1 for the PS Audio. Definitely worth an audition.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    But a word of warning; the odds are likely that running dacs straight from the computer may result in dramatic differences in performance from what you are getting with the SqueezeBox. You've been warned.

    If this doesn't happen then it's time to trade your whole system in on a Bose Lifestyle product, because this hobby isn't for you :D:p .

    Seriously you will be wondering why you've allowed yourself to miss so much of the music. The regular Squeezbox is merely a toy.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    Ah Jason, it'll be great to have your company in hell!
    Guess I'll be right there with youse guys. I sent Joey a pm on the same subject :eek:

    Joey - you gonna need an extra set of IC's to connect that DAC? :p;):D
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited December 2006
    tryrrthg wrote:
    Museatex Bitdat or Bitstream (think EMM Labs, he designed them.
    Highly recommend a modded Bitsteam. Very nice sounding DAC. I just setup a VPI Scout, Dynavector 10x5 with a PSA GCPH and as much as I hate to say this, the DAC sounds much better at this point (comparing a LP and CD of the same recording). Looks like the TT setup has a ways to go before it is on par with the DAC.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
    Arthur Schopenhauer
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,553
    edited December 2006
    heiney9 wrote:
    Seriously you will be wondering why you've allowed yourself to miss so much of the music. The regular Squeezbox is merely a toy.
    Riiight. ;)

    If it's good for other audiophiles, it's good enough for me. FLAC-haters need not apply.

    I'm getting a DAC.... probably the PS Audio.. but something tells me that I should also order the Benchmark to A/B. The Scott Nixon is cool too..... but doesnt have balanced.

    As for the PC being truly a better source than the SB3, I'll take my time to find that out if it's true. Though Sean may be right, the convenience is good enough and the sound I'm getting is good enough that I'm sticking with the SB3... unless I have the money to get the Transporter.

    See, here's my dilemma, I could spring for the Transporter, but it's about $1400... while the PS Audio is $690 straight out. Though I'm sure the digital out of the SB3 is probably not as good as the digital out of the Transporter. I suppose the better combo would be the Transporter and then an outboard DAC, but I dont want to spend that kind of money.

    Confused...

    And quit talking about cables. I'll get them in due time.

    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited December 2006
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    .... or how 'bout going the route that I'm about to take.

    A Lite Audio DAC-ah (modded by Pacific Valve) paired with a Monarchy Audio Classic DIP.

    Interesting that you should mention the Lite Audio DAC. Guess what just arrived on my door step today???:D

    It's not mine, though. I'm gonna review the DAC 62 for the Feb. 2007 edition of Affordable Audio. I plan on breaking it in after Christmas and then doin' some listenin'. I'll share my thoughts on it with you if you are interested.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,553
    edited December 2006
    Hrm.... question is, is the Transporter a better combo than the SB3+PS Audio DAC....

    Dang it, I dont think anyone has this combo or experience.... my search through the internet has yielded nothing.

    :(

    Sadly,
    Joey
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2006
    The Van Alstine Ultra DAC. A hydrid design, a tad over your budget but worth a look. I just love what mine does to CD playback. It gets you real close to analog sound. It just makes sweet music.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,553
    edited December 2006
    pearsall001 wrote:
    The Van Alstine Ultra DAC. A hydrid design, a tad over your budget but worth a look. I just love what mine does to CD playback. It gets you real close to analog sound. It just makes sweet music.
    Searching google for the Ultra DAC yielded mostly you.... lol. You're outspoken with regards to this Ultra DAC, arent you?

    Joey :D
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    Searching google for the Ultra DAC yielded mostly you.... lol. You're outspoken with regards to this Ultra DAC, arent you?

    Joey :D

    I guess that counts as my 15 minutes of fame. LOL!! Really though, it truly is a remarkable piece & I am more than happy with it's performance. A bit pricey, but then again you do get what you pay for.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    I can verify the performance of that Van Alstine. But in my honest assesment of your pench
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    Joey_V, I'm not a FLAC hater just a SB-hater :D . Seriously, read the reviews on the the Monarchy there are about 3-4 of them and it's getting rave reviews from some very tough company. It's a bit out of what you stated your $$$ range was and since it's a fairly new product I've only seen 2 used ones and I am kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on one for $780, but I had to choose between the Lsi's or the DAC at the same time and the speakers were the most logical choice at the time.

    My plan is to run the M24 as a line stage pre-amp and use it as a DAC also. So it's transport or server into the M24 into whatever amp I decide out to the speakers. Should be a killer set-up. Hope to have it done by the end of the summer.

    Don't blow it off, give it fair chance but I also understand the others you are considering might be easier to come by/audition.

    Get some decent cables and the DAC I can start taking you seriously <JK> ;)

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    jm1 wrote:
    Highly recommend a modded Bitsteam. Very nice sounding DAC. I just setup a VPI Scout, Dynavector 10x5 with a PSA GCPH and as much as I hate to say this, the DAC sounds much better at this point (comparing a LP and CD of the same recording). Looks like the TT setup has a ways to go before it is on par with the DAC.

    Oh the horror, the horror. . .are you sure you have your TT rig setup correctly and tuned to the max???
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited December 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Interesting that you should mention the Lite Audio DAC. Guess what just arrived on my door step today???:D

    It's not mine, though. I'm gonna review the DAC 62 for the Feb. 2007 edition of Affordable Audio. I plan on breaking it in after Christmas and then doin' some listenin'. I'll share my thoughts on it with you if you are interested.


    edit: nevermind..... the DAC 62 is a notch above

    let us know, how it sounds cochese:)
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    Gotta carbon date some of these fools.

    I like Haimoc's suggestion about the Timbre Dac. Mmm.

    As for the Nixon DAC - he should be able to do balanced. He also offers prettier cases for people like you that just gotta enjoy the glitz and glamour of Hi-Fi.

    The PS Audio seems like a good option, too. Hmm But its Haimoc's Timbre DAC that really has me curious. Damn him!


    Whose Haimoc? I saw that name once on the 'gon.
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Carbon date, huh? Ok...

    Hey Joey, You do need to check out some cables. They are choking you out...

    I'll tell you what. I'll send you 2 sets of Signal Cable Analog 2's and a set of 8' Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cable, in a biwire set up.

    Try them from your source to your amp to your speakers. Use them and see if we aren't telling you the truth. Just send 'em back when your done.
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    Way to go Anthony! That's an offer you can't refuse Joey!
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    Cool offer. Hopefully Joey will take it, even though it seems to be more an issue of stubbornness than money.
    Great minds think alike, no? link post #28 :)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    Hearingimpared,

    Gosh... :o Perhaps its time to change my handle to readingimpared! I envy your Timbre DAC.

    I know you are not envying my digital front end!!!:eek: What are you using as your CDP?
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Don't even ask, as soon as he types an answer, it it'll change.

    Man, I'm digging the hell out of your speakers right now...
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