DAC owners sound off!

sucks2beme
sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
edited November 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Time to see who's got what and how they sound.
I've got a USB Monica II NOS DAC. Good analog sound.
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited November 2007
    Lite Audio Dac AH fed from an AMC CD8B with Tributaries Silver Digital on the whole house rig.

    MSB Link Dac fed from an Arcam CD73T with Tributaries Silver Digital on the reference rig.

    They both sound GREAT.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited November 2007
    Adcom GDA-600 in da main rig

    AMC Dac-8 in da computer rig.

    The Adcom is a surprising sleeper and the AMC while inexpensive holds it's own against my cdp and trounces the soundcard in the computer.

    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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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2007
    I also have a sleeper DAC I got from Russ...the little bit three (yes...what a weird name). Converts from a Denon CD changer and the Polk Tuner. Feeds an Adcom 535 through a Dynaco Pat 4 I got from Troy. From the Adcom, "A" Speakers to the monitor 7's in the bar. "B" Speakers to the Atriums in the backyard.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited November 2007
    I want first right of refusal when and if on that one (implied please) Ricardo. I've yet to find another one, and it's a sleeper for sure. DPA little bit three is one of the best D/A's for the dollar I have ever had.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2007
    Ugly as hell, but yes, a very nice DAC. I'll send it back to Texas someday. ;)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2007
    Camelot ARTHUR v3.0, no complaints here. Would love to test it against some others though.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited November 2007
    Bel Canto DAC2 here. Gonna be trying something different soon, though.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited November 2007
    Parasound Ultra 2000, nice DAC, makes the Jukebox bearable to listen to, I would not have as my primary source a player that needs a dac unless its designed only as a transport machine.

    RT1
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited November 2007
    Benchmark DAC1 connected via digital XLR from my CEC CD-3300. I love the combo. If you like a little flavor in your music, this is NOT your DAC. The DAC1 is very neutral, tell-it-like-it-is device. It does however have an excellent soundstage that makes your speakers disappear with most music. Treble is excellent, with just the right amount of articulation, without being forward. Bass is tight, so it's also not for the bass-hogs out there. There's virtually no digital glare, sans very poorly recorded music--which benefit from the DAC1's soothing effects.

    PROS:
    - Neutral presenation
    - Excellent specifications, fully documented with manual
    - Dead quiet
    - Wide/deep soundstage
    - No digital glare
    - 3 digital inputs, (Coax/BNC; XLR; Toslink) selectable from the front BNC to coax adapter included
    - Replaceble IEC power cord
    - Price, $975.

    CONS:
    - Neutral presentation (could be a downside for those looking for some added character)
    - Front panel LED's are distractingly BRIGHT
    - Lack of a "power" switch

    Note: Benchmark now also makes a USB DAC1.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited November 2007
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    Lite Audio Dac AH .

    A friend of mine has (2) of these both modded. He is bringing one of them over next week so I can demo it for a few weeks. Can't wait to get my ears on something a little different. I will go into more detail once I have the piece physically here in my main rig.

    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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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited November 2007
    Benchmark DAC1. It'sa very niiiice.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited November 2007
    Theta Pro Progeny. 3/8" (or thicker) aluminum front. Weighs more than my CD player. Love it! Not sure if I should keep this shiny Musical Fidelity A3.2 CD player, or go back to my cheap transport with the Theta as I had before.

    Gonna give it some more listening time and eventually sell something.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited November 2007
    I have tried: DIY Paradise Monica II & USB Monica Ack! Dack 1.3e with high res output(?), Lite Audio DAC-AH, MHDT Paradisea, Peter Daniel's Audio Sector DAC (DIY Audio Zone DAC1) and Trends Audio UD-10.

    I currently own the USB Monica (w/ SMPS), MHDT Paradisea (w/ op-amp upgrade and Bendix 2c51 redbank tube), and Audio Sector DACs. I like them all for various reasons, the Monica is just easy to listen to, the Paradisea is very warm sounding and has great dynamics, and the Audio Sector has phenomenal bass and detail.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited November 2007
    I run my Jolida jd100 through a California Audio labs Sigma DAC. Did it at the stert for kicks, but like it better that the Jolida standing alone. Hooked it up once, never disconnected it. the CAL Alpha DAC will come down the road, but certainly no rush
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,411
    edited November 2007
    California Audio Lab - Alpha

    old school Dac with 12ax7 tubes
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited November 2007
    the alpha's got 2 12ax7's right?, I know the sigma's got one, and the Alpha was the step up from it if my knowlege is correct. Heard good things about the sigma and GREAT things about the Alpha
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,411
    edited November 2007
    ohskigod wrote: »
    the alpha's got 2 12ax7's right?, I know the sigma's got one, and the Alpha was the step up from it if my knowlege is correct. Heard good things about the sigma and GREAT things about the Alpha

    2 tubes yes
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited November 2007
    Tube Audio Design DAC here. Simply marvelous sounding. Not a hint of digital glare, very analog in it's presentation, smooth & articulate.
    "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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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    hoosier21 wrote: »
    California Audio Lab - Alpha

    old school Dac with 12ax7 tubes

    Russ, I knew I liked you for some reason.. i didn't know why though. :p

    I have the same CAL Alpha DAC, and rolling different tubes thru it is great.. get tired of one pair, presto change-o put in a different pair and you're good to go again. i get tired after a couple weeks of tubes, then swap them out and it's like a whole new DAC again, over and over :D
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • cstpeter
    cstpeter Posts: 387
    edited November 2007
    PS Audio Digital Link III.

    Warm, analog sound. Great synergy with my system.
    Von Schweikert VR4-jr
    Valve Audio Predator
    Denon DVD-2900
    PS Audio Digital Link III w/Cullen Level IV Mods
    Pro-Ject Xpression w/Blue Point No. 2
    Graham Slee Special Edition 2
    PS Audio UPC-200
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited November 2007
    Gaara wrote: »
    I have tried: DIY Paradise Monica II & USB Monica Ack! Dack 1.3e with high res output(?), Lite Audio DAC-AH, MHDT Paradisea, Peter Daniel's Audio Sector DAC (DIY Audio Zone DAC1) and Trends Audio UD-10.

    I currently own the USB Monica (w/ SMPS), MHDT Paradisea (w/ op-amp upgrade and Bendix 2c51 redbank tube), and Audio Sector DACs. I like them all for various reasons, the Monica is just easy to listen to, the Paradisea is very warm sounding and has great dynamics, and the Audio Sector has phenomenal bass and detail.

    My Monica is set on 16VDC on the SMPS. Seems to be the best setting.
    Maybe not the last word in sound, but like you said, easy on the ears.
    I'm using a pc setup with FLAC lossless and FOOBAR as the player.
    Seems to be a lot of DAC owners. Also many multi-DAC owners.
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    Seems to be a lot of DAC owners. Also many multi-DAC owners.

    it really does take your CDP and listening to CD's to a new level.

    i highly recommend people adding a DAC to their systems
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited November 2007
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    My Monica is set on 16VDC on the SMPS. Seems to be the best setting.
    Maybe not the last word in sound, but like you said, easy on the ears.
    I'm using a pc setup with FLAC lossless and FOOBAR as the player.
    Seems to be a lot of DAC owners. Also many multi-DAC owners.

    I can't remember what mine is set to, but I think it is 15v. I compared a lot of DACs to the USB Monica, wasn't my favorite but it came close, and definitely my favorite for my PC rig.

    I'm using it with FLAC files ripped with EAC in secure mode, via Foobar with ASIO and SRC. Do you use SRC? I used to not like it but now I can't listen without it.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • sucks2beme
    sucks2beme Posts: 5,601
    edited November 2007
    Gaara wrote: »
    I can't remember what mine is set to, but I think it is 15v. I compared a lot of DACs to the USB Monica, wasn't my favorite but it came close, and definitely my favorite for my PC rig.

    I'm using it with FLAC files ripped with EAC in secure mode, via Foobar with ASIO and SRC. Do you use SRC? I used to not like it but now I can't listen without it.

    I am not doing anything exotic. Just straight up playback to a USB sound device. What does resampling get you in the way of sound?
    Also, I assume you're using ASIO as the audio driver so you have some pc control over the output?
    "The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited November 2007
    sucks2beme wrote: »
    I am not doing anything exotic. Just straight up playback to a USB sound device. What does resampling get you in the way of sound?
    Also, I assume you're using ASIO as the audio driver so you have some pc control over the output?

    I use the ASIO to bypass Kmixer and decrease latency, specifically I use ASIO 4 ALL because it is free, easy to use with Foobar, and works. Definitely a improvement in sound quality, and it only took about 20mins to figure it out and set it up.

    I like using SRC, it seems to increase detail and decrease background noise without making the highs sound harsh. Once you add it into Foobar you can turn it on and off to see if you hear differences, I didn't like it at first but now can't live without it. Again free so no reason not to try it.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited November 2007
    I was using a Monica 2 I got here on the forum until I fried a regulator messing with different power supplies. I liked it a lot and will hope to revive it soon. I am now using an Adcom GDA-600 which is more dynamic than the Monica. The monica is so much more easy to listen to than the Adcom. The Adcom has better bass because of the boost in the dynamics. I have been running from the Sony cdp to the Monarchy Audio DIP via AEU to the Adcom. Sounds very good and can't seemed live without the DIP. Or a DAC from now!
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • thejck
    thejck Posts: 849
    edited November 2007
    lite audio dac-68. tube dac. first evening listening to it. like it but i have nothing to compare it too except the dac in my integra receiver.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited November 2007
    thejck wrote: »
    lite audio dac-68. tube dac. first evening listening to it. like it but i have nothing to compare it too except the dac in my integra receiver.

    hey you got a picture of that dac? i would like to see if you do.

    yeah, listen to your CD player, then hook up the DAC and listen to the same song again. see if you hear any difference.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited November 2007
    Enjoying a Lite Audio DAC AH-M1. Not too shabby and the extra gain works well with my passive pre.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • thejck
    thejck Posts: 849
    edited November 2007
    danger boy wrote: »
    hey you got a picture of that dac? i would like to see if you do.

    yeah, listen to your CD player, then hook up the DAC and listen to the same song again. see if you hear any difference.

    its this same one in black.
    http://www.pacificvalve.us/LTDAC682.html

    its been upgraded with JJ telsa tubes..

    i bought it used from audiogon. i'll try that and see what it sounds like.. thanks for the heads up.
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