Economical DAC?

kawizx9r
kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
edited August 2009 in Electronics
Well, I know the weak points in my setup and I will be addressing them over time such as upgrading my receiver with something that has preamp outputs, and a few other small things. My question here is, will an affordable DAC provide all that much better quality as opposed to just running the L/R audio outputs from my bluray player to my preamp (for my 2 chan setup). If so, I'd like to get something very affordable and would like recommendations from members on here. I figured this would be a better and cheaper alternative as opposed to buying a dedicated player. Keep in mind my music tastes vary from old rock/alternative to include Def Leppard, Styx, Metallica to classical music. I'll even toss in some Sade or Bob Marley, Steel Pulse and that sort of stuff but you get the picture. Btw the 2 channel setup is listed in my sig, and the bluray player I utilize as my cd player as well. Thanks everyone! :D
Truck setup
Alpine 9856
Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

For Sale
Polk SR6500
Polk SR5250
Polk SR104


heiney9 wrote: »
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 904
    edited August 2009
    I went through the same thought process a while ago, and in talks with a few folks (thanks GV), I picked up an Adcom GDA-600. And its been a love story ever since. I grabbed mine from the FM here, for $125 shipped. Im sure you could find similar pricing.

    Absolutely trumps anything in its price range that Ive heard, and I have similiar musical tastes as you seem to have. So if you see one, give it a try, Im sure you wont be disappointed.


    Dave
    Once again we meet at last.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    Poee7R wrote: »
    I went through the same thought process a while ago, and in talks with a few folks (thanks GV), I picked up an Adcom GDA-600. And its been a love story ever since. I grabbed mine from the FM here, for $125 shipped. Im sure you could find similar pricing.

    Absolutely trumps anything in its price range that Ive heard, and I have similiar musical tastes as you seem to have. So if you see one, give it a try, Im sure you wont be disappointed.


    Dave

    Agreed, the GDA-600 is a great lil dac for the used price.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,463
    edited August 2009
    So putting a DAC between you player and pre makes that much of an improvment?

    Don't mean to thread jack just curious.

    Larry.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    So putting a DAC between you player and pre makes that much of an improvment?

    Don't mean to thread jack just curious.

    Larry.

    YES, it can make a huge difference.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    So putting a DAC between you player and pre makes that much of an improvment?

    Don't mean to thread jack just curious.

    Larry.

    Its not a prolem Larry, I always think that others can benefit from advice on any given thread on any given subject. And if other questions are asked keeping in mind the original subject, then by all means ask! I wondered the same thing which is what lead me to consider buying one. If you purchase one before me, or vice versa, I say a review should be in the works soon after.

    -Freddy
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,463
    edited August 2009
    danz1906 wrote: »
    YES, it can make a huge difference.

    Thanks!!:cool: now I have something else to try out.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,463
    edited August 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Its not a prolem Larry, I always think that others can benefit from advice on any given thread on any given subject. And if other questions are asked keeping in mind the original subject, then by all means ask! I wondered the same thing which is what lead me to consider buying one. If you purchase one before me, or vice versa, I say a review should be in the works soon after.

    -Freddy

    Will do...
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Will do...

    Did you see this DAC?

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86930
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    Yep, a little out of my price range though due to the upcoming receiver I'm upgrading to.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Yep, a little out of my price range though due to the upcoming receiver I'm upgrading to.

    Cool, congrats on the receiver-Enjoy!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited August 2009
    I just purchased a used Entech 203.2 Number Cruncher. Many good reviews for a budget DAC. Several members here have owned or currently own one. I'm waiting for it to arrive and will post a review after testing. Anyone else here with experience with this unit?
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited August 2009
    Hey, check out this thread. :)

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84051

    The MF V-Dac seems to be a great choice in the budget world if you want new.

    Otherwise, i got pretty much the same advice with the Adcom unit. :D
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    Thanks for all the suggestions, looks like I'll just put a search out on this Adcom. I think I'll take the "used" route, that way I can get more for my dollar and hopefully from someone either on here or locally.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited August 2009
    Probably a shot in the dark Freddy, but there is one on Craigslist in Portland (OR.) for $300. Don't know about shipping, but it's all I could find here at work since Ebay is blocked.

    -Jeff

    http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1318705501.html
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited August 2009
    Edit....

    Just found one on the Gon for $400 OBO in WOODSFIELD, OH. A little closer to home for you.

    -Jeff

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1255227158
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    Dam that looks nice, but I thought it was much cheaper than that used? I could understand if the one Poee7r got was a deal but I heard anywhere from 200-300? I'm trying out a denon player later today and we'll see what my thoughts are, I still have plans for a DAC though maybe not as soon as I thought given the price on some of these.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited August 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Dam that looks nice, but I thought it was much cheaper than that used? I could understand if the one Poee7r got was a deal but I heard anywhere from 200-300? I'm trying out a denon player later today and we'll see what my thoughts are, I still have plans for a DAC though maybe not as soon as I thought given the price on some of these.

    They pop up on ebay for $200 or so fairly regularly.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,175
    edited August 2009
    Check out the AMC dac on the cheap, $50-$75 used.
    Never heard one myself, but for the price it may be a good 1st step into the DAC world.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited August 2009
    wutadumsn23 wrote: »
    Edit....

    Just found one on the Gon for $400 OBO in WOODSFIELD, OH. A little closer to home for you.

    -Jeff

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1255227158

    Has anyone ever heard one of the modded adcoms?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited August 2009
    I was also able to find an Adcom GDA-600 for $125 shipped (just had to coax a Texan on Craigslist to ship to NJ).

    I haven't got it in the rig yet, but the deals are out there if you look.

    FWIW, that $400 Adcom on Audiogon has been there for a few months. I think that the "mod" had something to do with an upgraded power supply, but I'd rather go in a different direction (like a MF or DacMagic) if I were to spend in that ballpark.

    You might also want to check out this DAC if it's still available, it's also supposed to be excellent:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77585

    Good luck in your hunt!

    Dawg
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  • Lowell_M
    Lowell_M Posts: 1,660
    edited August 2009
    Fongolio wrote: »
    I just purchased a used Entech 203.2 Number Cruncher. Many good reviews for a budget DAC. Several members here have owned or currently own one. I'm waiting for it to arrive and will post a review after testing. Anyone else here with experience with this unit?

    I had the entech before my Rotel 1072 and it was a big improvement over DAC in my AVR. Very nice for the price. The ADCOM GDA-600, though, takes things to another level. I've heard the ADCOM compared to the DAC's in the Rotel 1072 and (shhh...don't tell my Rotel) really liked the deep, wide soundstage of the ADCOM.
    HT
    RTi70 mains
    CSi30 center
    RTi28 Rears
    Velodyne CHT-12
    H/K AVR-247
    ADCOM GFA-7000
    Samsung PN58B860
    Playstation 3
    2-Channel
    Polk Audio LSi15's
    Rotel RCD-1072
    Nakamichi CA-5 Pre
    ADCOM GFA-555
    Signal Cable Analog II IC's
    Signal Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cables
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  • fbm211
    fbm211 Posts: 1,488
    edited August 2009
    That modded adcom---MOJO 1 is NOT worth that price.All he did was replace a couple power supply caps with oil filled caps.The one on craiglist is probably a better deal.Find out if the mods included opamp upgrades and what opamps it now has.It would be cool if the opamps had IC sockets installed so the user could try different ones.Like opa 627s and AD825s and so on....
    SDA-2BTL with custom IC
    Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
    Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
    Harman Kardon T-55c TT
    DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
    4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
    DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
    Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    Check out this GDA-600
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1255565597&/Adcom-GDA-600-DAC
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • fbm211
    fbm211 Posts: 1,488
    edited August 2009
    Now thats a great deal on the 600
    SDA-2BTL with custom IC
    Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
    Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
    Harman Kardon T-55c TT
    DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
    4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
    DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
    Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    fbm211 wrote: »
    Now thats a great deal on the 600

    Yes it is, I want to add though that the very next day I got to try out a different player :D
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86969
    Posted a new thread on it.
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Yes it is, I want to add though that the very next day I got to try out a different player :D
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86969
    Posted a new thread on it.

    How did you like the Denon player?
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited August 2009
    Let's just say, I STILL can't stop listening to it :D
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited August 2009
    kawizx9r wrote: »
    Let's just say, I STILL can't stop listening to it :D

    Congrats......Enjoy!
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter