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05-15-2008, 09:06 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,490
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All the DACs money can buy, pt. 2
This is a continuation of the original thread started in 2006 by granodemostasa, who has consented to let me take it over. All currently-available DACs on the market are listed here. If you have any additions or corrections, feel free to contribute.
Quick Navigation:
$200 = (*200)
$500 = (*500)
$1,000 = (*1,000)
$2,500 = (*2,500)
$5,000 = (*5,000)
$10,000 = (*10,000)
$20,000 = (*20,000)
List of current digital-to-analog converters:
- TooleAudio BantamDAC, DIY-only $32 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered
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- Alien DAC, DIY-only $43 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702E
Op-amp: none, Burr-Brown OPA551UA or BUF634 (both optional, not in signal path)
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered
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- Hot Audio HotUSB1 $59 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2705
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
USB-powered
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- Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 $60 Link
Quote:
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/8" TRS (x2), Optical digital
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- Creative Xmod $80 Link
Quote:
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
USB-powered
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- Super Pro DAC707 / DAC707 USB $85, $110 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amps: Linear LT1364C (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB (optional, with CMedia CM108 USB receiver)
Output: RCA
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- E-MU 0202 USB $99 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4392
Input: USB
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS
USB-powered
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- SilverStone EB01 $100 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA604
Input: USB
Output: RCA
USB-powered
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- Trends Audio UD-10 $119 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2704
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Firestone Fubar II $120 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Musiland/Diyeden SVDAC05 $129 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Op-amp: Texas Instruments NE5534P (x2)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, BNC
Outputs: RCA, 1/8" TRS
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- Zhaolu D2.5A, D2.5C $129, $195 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1852 (D2.5A), Cirrus CS4398 (D2.5C)
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Tianyun Zero DAC $139 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: OPA2604
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Creative Xmod Wireless $100-150 ($50 for wireless receiver) Link 1, Link 2
Quote:
DAC: Wolfson WM8728
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS on transmitter, 1/8" TRS and RCA on receiver
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- Twisted Pear Buffalo, DIY partially assembled $149-295 Link
Quote:
DAC: ESS ES9008 Sabre8
Input: builder's choice (S/PDIF, I2S, DSD)
Output: builder's choice (RCA, XLR)
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- Hot Audio USB DAC High Fidelity $156 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2707
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
USB-powered
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- Pro-Ject USB Box $159 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x?
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Beresford TC-7510 MK6/3 $170 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2)
Outputs: RCA (x2)
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- Lite Dac AH, Pacific Valve mod $180 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: Intersil EL2044
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Gigalab Moon $185 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Twisted Pear Opus $185-250 Link
Quote:
DAC: Wolfson WM8741 (x1) or WM8740 (x2)
Input: builder's choice (S/PDIF, I2S, DSD)
Output: builder's choice (RCA, XLR)
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- KingRex UD-01 $190 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702E
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
DC servo chip: Texas Instruments TL072
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Stereo-Link Model 1200 $198 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- E-MU 0404 USB $199 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4396
Op-amps: JRC2068 (x2), JRC2114 (headphone output)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
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- HIPPOhifi The Bloat $199-249 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1794 or PCM1798
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2132, OPA2107, Analog Devices AD823 or AD8620
Input: USB
Output: 1/4" TRS
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(*200)
- Sigtone Shek h1 $200 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Valab NOS DAC $200 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543 (x8)
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Firestone Audio FubarIII $210 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Zhaolu D3 $229 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA134 (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, RJ-45 TG Link
Output: RCA
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- Audio-gd DAC-100 $245 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
USB receiver chip: Burr-Brown PCM2707
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2134 or none (discrete option +$20)
Input: USB, Coaxial
Output: RCA
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- Three-Two USB DAC $245 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1792A
USB controller: Texas Instruments TAS1020B
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA132A (x4 for I/V, x2 for headphone amp)
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Devilsound Labs DAC - digital audio cable $249 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1851RZ-J
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Input: USB
Output: RCA
USB-powered (internally regenerated)
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- Firestone Spitfire $250 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1793
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- KECES DA-151 $250 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Op-amp: National LME49710
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Lite DAC AM / Modified $259, $375 Link 1, Link 2
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1853
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Op-amp: Fairchild NE5532 (x4), Analog Devices AD827 (x4, Modified version)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR, 1/4" TRS
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- Moodlab Concept $261 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8412
Op-amp: none, passive IV conversion
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
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- Meier-Audio Corda 2Move $271 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Op-amp: Analog Devices AD8610
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- iBasso D10 Cobra $275 Link
Quote:
DAC: Wolfson WM8740
USB receiver chip: Burr-Brown PCM2906
Digital Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amps: Analog Devices AD8656 (x2) or National LMH6643 (x2)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: 1/4" TRS
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- Sigtone Shek d1 $280 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8412-IS
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Musiland MD-10 $295 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Op-amp: Analog Devices OP275
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, BNC
Outputs: RCA, 1/8" TRS
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- Xindak DAC-3 MKII $319 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Input: Coaxial, Optical
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- Yulong DAH1 $319 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
Digital Volume Controller: Cirrus CS3310
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: Variable and fixed RCA
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- KECES DA-131 $320 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1793
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA604 (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Sigtone Shek d2 $320 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8412-CS
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- BES Audio Icarus $329-379 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM 1798, Philips TDA1543, Cirrus CS4398 (all on daughterboards)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR, 1/4" TRS
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- Channel Islands Audio VDA-1 $349 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1716
Receiver: Burr-Brown DIR1701
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2134
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Citypulse DA7.2x II $350 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: RCA (x2, variable and fixed), XLR
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- Scott Nixon USB.UFO.JF / USB.UFO.TD $350, $575 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: ?, tube buffer (only on USB.UFO.TD)
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- Mhdt Laboratory Constantine / Constantine+ $359, $399 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Op-amp: National LM4562
Inputs: USB (optional), Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- AD LABS Rockna RD-2, DIY fully-assembled $385 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796
Upsampling
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: discrete IV conversion
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
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- Cambridge Audio DacMagic $399 Link
Quote:
DAC: Wolfson WM8740 (x2)
Upsampling
Inputs: USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
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- Core Sound HeadLine $399 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical
Output: 1/4" TRS
Battery-powered (9V x2), external power supply optional
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- Diyeden Great March 2 $399 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1798
Upsampling chip: TI SRC4190
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- HeadRoom Micro DAC $399 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
USB controller: TI PCM2902
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Promitheus Audio Solid State DAC $405-425 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none, passive I/V stage
Inputs: Coaxial, BNC
Output: RCA
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- Moodlab Dice $416 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Op-amp: passive I/V
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Monica3, DIY fully-assembled $432-476 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Input: BNC (x2)
Output: RCA
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- Audio-gd DAC-19 SE $450-480 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K (x2)
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Inputs: Coaxial, BNC
Output: RCA
HDCD-capable with upgrade +$30
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- RDL RU-SPC1D $450 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC
Output: XLR
|
- Lite DAC 60 $465 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
Op-amp: none (tube)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Abrahamsen V6.0 $475 Link
Quote:
Input: USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical
Output: RCA, XLR
|
- Ray Samuels Audio Predator $475 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
Input: USB
Output: 1/4" TRS
|
- Scott Nixon TD2 / USBTD $475 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8412
Op-amp: none (tube 6922)
Input: Coaxial (TD2) or USB (USBTD)
Output: 1/4" TRS
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(*500)
- HeadAmp Pico $500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Wolfson WM8740
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1896
USB to I2S converter: Burr-Brown PCM2707
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA365
Input: USB
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Presonus Central Station $500 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM ?
Inputs: Firewire, Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS (x5)
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- Citypulse DA2.03e II $548 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796
Upsampling (optional, selectable)
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA (x2, variable and fixed)
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- HeadRoom Portable Micro Amp/DAC $598 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x?
Inputs: USB, 1/8" S/PDIF
Outputs: 1/8" TRS (x2, variable and fixed)
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- Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 $599 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1794
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: discrete output stage
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: RCA, balanced RCA
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- Lite DAC 38 $599 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Mhdt Laboratory Paradisea+ $599 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none (tube)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Oritek Audio OMZ V4.1 / with headphone amp / Preamp $599, $899, $1,499 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
Op-amp: none, discrete output
Input: Coaxial (x4 on Preamp version)
Output: RCA
heavily-modified version of Zhaolu D2.5A
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- Chord Chordette Gem $602 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Bluetooth, USB
Output: RCA
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- Softone Model_2 $650 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1716
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Op-amp: none (tube 6DJ8)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Stello DA100 $695 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4395
Upsampling (optional)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical (x2)
Output: RCA
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- HeadRoom Ultra Micro DAC $699 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1896
USB receiver chip: Burr-Brown PCM2902
Inputs: USB, 1/8" Coaxial, Optical
Output: 1/8" TRS
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- Lite DAC 68 $699 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1853
Upsampling
Op-amp: none (tube 6922EH/6DJ8)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Audio-gd DAC-3SE $715 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K (x4)
Digital receiver chip: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Inputs: Coaxial, BNC
Output: RCA
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- K&K Audio RAKK dac Mark II, DIY-only $757-1,799 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1794
Upsampling chip: Burr-Brown SRC4192
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: none, passive or active (tube) output
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Ack! dAck! 2.0 $795-955 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1545
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none, discrete class A
Input: BNC (adapter to RCA included)
Output: RCA
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- RME ADI-2 $800 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4395
Op-amp: JRC NJM4580 (headphone section)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: 1/4" TRS, XLR, headphone, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
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- Apogee Mini-DAC / Firewire $806, 986 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1896
USB to I2S chip: Texas Instruments TUSB3200
Inputs: Firewire (optional), Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: XLR, 1/8" TRS
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- AudioNemesis DC-1 $821 Link
Quote:
DAC: Multibit
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none, discrete output stage
Input: Coaxial
Output: RCA
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- CEC DA53 $849 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796 (x2, dual-mono), PCM2906 (headphone output)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Izo iHA-1 V2 $859 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796 (x2, dual-mono)
Op-amps: Burr-Brown OPA604AU (x6), OPA2134AU (x2), OPA627AP (x2)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Audial AYA II, DIY only $868-1,028 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1541A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: I/V, but Burr-Brown OPA861 in open loop transimpedance stage
Inputs: Coaxial or USB (or both)
Output: RCA
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- Lite / Pacific Valve Brigatta $885 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
|
- Mhdt Laboratory Havana $899 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM56P
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Op-amp: none, tube GE5670
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
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- Benchmark Media DAC1 / DAC1 USB / DAC1 PRE $975, $1,275, $1,575 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1853
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1896
Op-amps: NE5532, LM4562 (headphone section of USB and PRE versions)
Inputs: USB (only on USB and PRE), Coaxial (x3 on PRE), Optical
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Lavry Engineering LavryBlack DA10 $975 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
Upsampling (optional)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Output: XLR
|
- PS Audio Digital Link III $995 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1798DB
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: none, discrete FET output stage
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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(*1,000)
- Hagerman Technology Chime (DIY-only) / DA-10 (fully-assembled) $1,098, $2,299 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704
Upsampling
Op-amp: none (Class A Tube, 12AX7, 12AU7, EY3)
Input: USB, Coaxial
Output: RCA
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- Altmann Attraction DAC $1,159-2,077 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Receiver: Altmann R16
Op-amps: Burr-Brown (x10)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
|
- The Audio Zone DAC-1 $1,167 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1541
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Input: BNC (RCA optional)
Output: RCA
|
- Audio Horizons DAC-2a $1,295 Link
Quote:
Input: Optical
Output: RCA
|
- Meier-Audio Corda Opera $1,310 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1794
Receiver: Cirrus CS8420
Op-amp: National LM6171, Burr-Brown BUF634
Inputs: USB, Coaxial
Output: RCA
|
- Lavry Engineering LavryBlue LE4496 $1,325 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
Upsampling (optional)
Inputs: XLR (x2), Coaxial
|
- Aqvox USB 2 D/A MKII $1,399 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796 (x2, dual-mono)
Op-amp: none, discrete
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Stello DA220 MK2 $1,495 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4395
Upsampling (optional)
Op-amps: Burr-Brown OPA2604, NE5532 (x4)
Inputs: USB, XLR, Coaxial (x2), Optical
Outputs: RCA, XLR, XLR digital, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
|
- Ultra Fi iRoc $1,495 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
USB controller: TI PCM2707PJT
Op-amp: none, discrete I/V
Input: USB
Output: RCA
|
- Musical Fidelity X-DACv8 $1,499 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown DSD1792
Upsampler chip: Burr-Brown SRC4392
USB receiver chip: Burr-Brown PCM2706
Op-amp: none (2 Phillips 6922 Triodes for tube buffer before final SS output stage [if tubes enabled])
Inputs: USB, Coaxial (x3)
Outputs: RCA, Coaxial digital
|
- Monarchy Audio NM24 $1,590 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM-63K
Op-amp: none (tube SRPP 6DJ8)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
|
- Grace m902 $1,596 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1730
Inputs: USB, XLR, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
|
- 47 Labs Shigaraki $1,480 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Input: Coaxial
Output: RCA
|
- Sutherland 12dAX7 $1,600 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Input: USB
Op-amp: none (tube 12AX7)
|
- TwinDAC+ $1,600 Link
Quote:
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, RJ-45
Output: RCA
May require separate proprietary battery supply at additional cost
|
- Wavelength Audio Brick $1,750 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none (tube 12AU7A)
Input: USB
Output: RCA
|
- Apogee Rosetta 200 $1,796 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2)
Outputs: XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital, XLR digital
|
- Audial The Model $1,850 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1541A
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Inputs: USB, BNC (RCA possible with adapter)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Slim Devices Transporter $1,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4396
Upsampling (optional)
Op-amp: NE5534
Input: Coaxial, Optical, BNC, XLR, Wi-fi
Output: RCA, XLR
|
- Bryston BDA-1 ~$2,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398 (x2)
Upsampling
Op-amp: none, class A discrete
Inputs: USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2), BNC (x2), XLR
|
- Cyrus DAC X $2,200 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial (x4), Optical (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Electrocompaniet ECD1 $2,250 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
|
- Audio Horizons TD3.0 / TD3.0n $2,350, $2,600 Link
Quote:
DAC: AKM AK4396
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA627, tube (four 6922/6DJ8/ECC88 tubes)
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- CEC DX71mkII $2,499 Link
Quote:
DAC: NPC SM5865CM (x2, dual mono)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR, CEC Super Link
Outputs: RCA (x2, fixed and variable), XLR (x2, fixed and variable)
|
(*2,500)
- Bel Canto Dac3 $2,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1792
Upsampling
Op-amp: none; two stage, I/V conversion and class A balanced
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- North Star Design Model 192 MKII $2,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796 (x2)
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1895
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: none, discrete
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR, RJ-45 for I2S
Output: RCA, XLR
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- Red Wine Audio Isabellina $2,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA154x
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Inputs: USB, Optical, BNC (with RCA-BNC adapter)
Output: RCA
SLA battery-powered
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- Lucid Audio 88192 $2,599 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Optical (x2), XLR (x4)
Outputs: XLR (x8, four pairs), Optical digital (x2), XLR digital (x4)
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- ONTech DAC 5813 / Dual Mono / Dual Balanced $2,633, $4,634, $4,634 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1865N-K
Filter: SM5813 (Burr-Brown DF1700)
Op-amp: none, discrete
Input: Coaxial
Output: RCA, XLR (only on Dual Balanced model)
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- Grace m904 $2,795 Link
Quote:
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Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2)
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- Stellavox ST2 $2,862 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Weiss Engineering DAC2 $2,995 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Firewire (x2), Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR, Firewire, XLR digital
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- Universal Audio 2192 $2,999 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Op-amps: none, Class A discrete
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2)
Outputs: XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital, XLR digital (x2)
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- Apogee DA-16X $3,200 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Optical (x4), BNC, XLR (x8)
Output: XLR (x16)
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- Lake People DAC F466-S $3,200 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Musical Fidelity kW DM25 $3,250 Link
Quote:
Upsampling/receiver: Cirrus CS8427
Op-amp: none, 6112 Tube and Class A “transistor”
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Output: RCA
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- Wavelength Cosecant $3,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Op-amp: none, Parallel Feed Transformer Coupled output
Input: USB
Output: RCA
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- North Star Design Extremo $4,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1792 (x2)
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices AD1896
Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: none, fully-discrete
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR, I2S RJ-45
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Audiomat Tempo 2.5 $4,190 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x2)
Upsampling
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Output: RCA
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- Cyrus DAC XP $4,350 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x4), Optical (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Chord QBD76 $4,523 Link
Quote:
DAC: Pulse Array, 5th gen (proprietary)
Inputs: Bluetooth, USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical (2x), XLR (2x)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- LessLoss DAC 2004 MkII $4,618-5,846 Link
Quote:
DAC: PCM1704U-K (x2)
Upsampling, Oversampling, or Non Over Sampling (NOS), all optional
Op-amp: I/U conversion and Burr-Brown OPA2134
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Orpheus Laboratories Orpheus One / Orpheus One SE $4,800+ Link 1, Link 2
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, BNC (x2), XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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(*5,000)
- Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC $5,000 Link
Quote:
Filter: multiple choices
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR, BADA
Outputs: RCA, XLR
HDCD-capable
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- Prism Orpheus $5,000 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical
Outputs: 1/4" TRS (x4)
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- Weiss Engineering DAC1 / DAC1-MK2 $5,900, $6,700 Link
Quote:
Op-amp: Analog Devices AD797, discrete class A
Inputs: Optical, XLR (x3)
Outputs: XLR, XLR digital
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- Empirical Audio Spoiler USB TubeDAC $5,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
Op-amp: none, tube (Siemens cca grey-plate 6922)
Input: USB, Coaxial
Output: RCA
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- Audiomeca Enkianthus $6,267 Link
Quote:
Upsampling chip: Analog Devices DSP 21065L
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), BNC, Optical, XLR, AT&T
Output: RCA
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- Accustic Arts DAC I-MK4 $6,500 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Op-amp: none, class A discrete output
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), BNC, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Chord Electronics DAC64 $6,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Pulse Array, 4th gen (proprietary)
Receiver: Proprietary
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Gill Audio Design Elise LT $6,600 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown
Op-amp: none, tube complement--2 X 6DJ8/6922/7308, 1 X 6FQ7/6CG7
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- MSB Technology Platinum III / Signature $6,995, $12,995 Link
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary, four modules (option: Signature upgrade)
Upsampling
Filter: Custom, based on Burr-Brown DF1704
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Ensemble Audio Dichrono Hi-DAC $6,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4397
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC
Output: RCA
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- Manley WAVE $7,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: UltraAnalog D20400
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR, ST Glass
Outputs: RCA, XLR
HDCD-capable
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- Dodson Audio DA-218 $8,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- McIntosh MDA1000 $8,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x8)
Inputs: Coaxial (x3), Optical (x3), XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Lavry Engineering DA2002 $8,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary
Upsampling
Receiver: Motorola DSP56002 DSP
Op-amps: Burr-Brown OPA177, OPA627, AD744, OPA134 (your choice)
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Spectral SDR-2000 $8,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: UltraAnalog D20400
Op-amp: none, discrete output
HDCD-capable
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- Prism Dream DA-2 $9,405 [url=http://www.prismsound.com/music_recording/products_subs/da2/da2_home.php]
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x3), BNC (x2)
Outputs: XLR
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- Zanden Audio Model 5000 MK IV $9,800 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1541
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Proprietary
Op-amp: none, IV conversion, tubes: 6922, 6X4, 6CA4 (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Output: RCA
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- Wadia 27ix $9,950 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1702 (x4)
Upsampling
Op-amp: none, Class A discrete
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Glass Optical (x2), Plastic Optical (x1), XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- EMM Labs DAC6e $9,995 Link
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary
Inputs: Optical, XLR (x3)
Outputs: RCA (x3 pairs), XLR (x3 pairs)
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(*10,000)
- Theta Digital Generation VIII $10,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM63 (x4)
Upsampling
Op-amp: none, Class A discrete
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC, AT&T
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Accuphase DC-801 $10,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955 (x8)
Inputs: Coaxial (x3), Optical (x2), XLR digital, HS-Link
Outputs: RCA, XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
|
- Wavelength Ultimate DPU $11,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1543
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Custom version
|
- Nagra DAC $13,000 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial (x3), Optical, XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Esoteric D-03 $13,200 Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
Upsampling (optional)
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR (x2), i.Link (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- EMM Labs DCC2 SE $13,500 Link
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2), BNC (x2 for DSD)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
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- Zanden Audio Model 5000 Signature $15,470 Link
Quote:
DAC: Philips TDA1541 (x2)
Non Over Sampling (NOS)
Receiver: Proprietary
Op-amp: none, IV conversion, tube complement (1) 6922 (main unit), (1) 6/4, (2) 6CA4 (power supply)
Inputs: Coaxial, BNC, XLR, I2S
Output: RCA
|
- Burmester 970 SRC $16,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Proprietary
Upsampling
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR, AT&T
Outputs: Fixed and variable RCA and XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
HDCD-capable
|
- dCS Paganini DAC $17,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: dCS Ring DAC
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR (x2), IEEE1394 (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
(*20,000)
- MBL 1611 F - $21,450 Link
Quote:
DAC: Cirrus CS4396-KS
Upsampling
Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Glass Optical (x2), Plastic Optical (x2), BNC (x2), XLR (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- dCS Scarlatti DAC $23,999 Link
Quote:
DAC: dCS Ring DAC
Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, BNC, XLR (x2), SDIF-2, IEEE1394 (x2)
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Wadia series 9 system $27,850 Link
Quote:
Upsampling
Op-amp: none, Class A discrete
Inputs: Glass Optical (x2), Plastic Optical, BNC (x2), XLR
Outputs: RCA, XLR
|
- Esoteric D-01 $32,000 Link
Quote:
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR (x2), i.Link (x2)
Outputs: Mono RCA or XLR
|
- Audio Note DAC 5 Special / Signature $33,000+ Link
Quote:
DAC: Analog Devices AD1865
Op-amp: none, tube (NOS 6463)
Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
Outputs: RCA (x2), XLR
|
- Boulder Amplifiers 2020 $35,000 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x10)
Upsampling
Input: XLR
Outputs: XLR (x2)
|
- GTE Trinity DAC $64,700-69,220 Link
Quote:
DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704-K (x16)
Filters: Burr-Brown DF1706, NPC SM5847 (selectable)
Upsampling
Receiver: AKM 4112B
Input: XLR
Output: XLR
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__________________
Team Value-Fi.
Last edited by infinitesymphony; 03-15-2009 at 05:27 PM.
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05-15-2008, 09:06 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,490
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Space reserved for future info. 
__________________
Team Value-Fi.
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05-15-2008, 09:11 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Littleton, Colorado USA
Posts: 2,510
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Awesome! I have consulted granodemostasa's original thread many times since joining Head-Fi. Thanks for keeping it current!
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05-15-2008, 09:57 PM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 1,021
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Some I've found over the past few weeks that aren't listed:
Manley Wave DAC/Preamp 21st-Manley WAVE $7,500
Accustic Audio DAC I Mk4 Accustic Arts : DAC I-MK4 : tubeAudioPRODUCTS.com
$6,500
Reimyo DAP-777 REIMYO DAP-777 Digital Audio Processor $5,200
Borbely Audio HB-DAC1704 Home Page $? Kit, not sure which parts you require to build it
EC designs D-I 8M DI 8M DAC $? kit + labour if you don't build it
EC designs D-I 16 http://www.ecdesigns.nl/dacs/di8m/di16.html $? kit + labour if you don't build it
Orpheus Lab "Orpheus One" Orpheus Laboratories - High End HiFi $4,800
Audial "The Model" (soon being replaced by The Model II) Audial :: The Model, USB & S/PDIF DAC :: Making a serious listening easy $Model I = $2,900
Audial Aya II Audial :: AYA II, USB & S/PDIF DAC $1,300
Devilsound "The DAC digital audio cable" (strange little thing) devilsound labs - DAC - digital audio cable $249
__________________
Home: 0404 (for now...watch this space) >GLite+DPS>K701
Work: H140>E4C/Yuin PK3
eBay Head-Fi SAU Last.FM
Soo was a b1tch, but you would be too if you got f1sted every day!
QOTY (by a friend): "I like Lady Gaga - her lyrics are relevant!
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05-15-2008, 10:29 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,490
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Thanks for the update! I'll be going through the list and adding new/fixed links and information over the course of the next few days.
Edit: I'm parsing the original list first, which will take some time. I've chosen to remove the Discontinued section because there are too many to list. Maybe those will go in a separate 'money can't buy' thread.
__________________
Team Value-Fi.
Last edited by infinitesymphony; 05-16-2008 at 03:21 AM.
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05-15-2008, 10:34 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Posts: 437
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I didn't see either of the Keces products on the list either... DA-131 or DA-151.
On the Discontinued section... Entech Number Cruncher also had a 205.2 model.
__________________
Sources: Airport Express (optical), Denon 1920 (digital coax)
DAC: Keces DA-131 with upgraded LME49710
Amp: Little Dot MK IV
Headphones: Grado RS-1
Feedback: Head-Fi and Ebay
www.veipacray.com
____________________
Team Car-Fi , Team Nano-Reef
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05-16-2008, 03:42 AM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Berkeley, USA
Posts: 329
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Here's another that I haven't heard and can't afford but would love to audition one day:
Berkeley Audio Design
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05-16-2008, 06:35 AM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posts: 1,021
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__________________
Home: 0404 (for now...watch this space) >GLite+DPS>K701
Work: H140>E4C/Yuin PK3
eBay Head-Fi SAU Last.FM
Soo was a b1tch, but you would be too if you got f1sted every day!
QOTY (by a friend): "I like Lady Gaga - her lyrics are relevant!
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05-16-2008, 08:51 AM
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Junior Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 12
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Thank you very much for this list, though it does not yet contain my favourite DAC ... this one:
Weiss :: DAC1 & DAC1-MK2
also very interesting and new is this:
dac2
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05-16-2008, 09:02 AM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Nevada
Posts: 1,282
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Great resource this, but easier to maintain as a blog.
Should be a sticky thread to the blog on the board, I reckon.
__________________
Devilsound DAC > Eddie Current EC/SS > Grado SR225i / Shure SHR840
You unlock this door with the key of being an innocent noob. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of split personalities and incoherent sentence construction. A dimension of paradox and absurdist anecdotes. A dimension of shilling. A dimension of multiple accounts but a single IP address. You're moving into a land of both desperate misdirection and manipulative suggestion. You've just crossed over...into the Beresford Zone.
Team Don't Buy Beresford
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05-16-2008, 11:25 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Fukuoka, Japan (was Australia)
Posts: 2,698
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Great list and thanks very much for the effort. Don't forget also to add the ZERO DAC as well.
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05-16-2008, 12:38 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 4,490
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Okay, I just finished tidying up the original list (whew, there were a lot of DACs!). It's been interesting to see some of the prices rise by thousands of dollars versus their values in the other thread.
I'll begin adding new DACs later today.
__________________
Team Value-Fi.
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05-16-2008, 02:11 PM
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Junior Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 9
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Great job infinite. An invaluable source for all audiophiles and headophiles.
One more.... Bryston has a new DAC that came out this week I believe. Im not sure if there is any literature on their site, but you can find info on Audio Circle.
Mike
__________________
Supratek Sauvignon, Nuforce 9 SE V2, Merlin Music VSM-MX, Epos M5, Snell Type E/IV, Stello DA100 Signature, Velodyne HGS-12 Sub, Squeezebox 3.0, BlueJean Cable interconnects, Zu Wax Speaker Wire, Signal Cable Magic PC and a crappy Phillips DVD/CD player
Last edited by SirMikeAloT; 05-16-2008 at 02:29 PM.
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05-16-2008, 03:01 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Norfolk, England
Posts: 398
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though I would mention that the monica 2 is no longer sold as the monica 3 has come out and is quite a bit more expensive $390 also there is a usb version of the monica 3 that can be purchased.
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05-16-2008, 03:20 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus 10*2kaiHead-Fi's Most Prolific Poster |
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 26,927
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Thanks for the update.
The previous thread were are nice place to send "newbies" looking for the [u]best[/b] DAC for $300. Nice to see an updated one...
__________________
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MacBook Pro → Isabellina → Signature 30.2 / β22 → SRD-7 Pro → SR-007BL / SR-404
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