DAC - Mid Level

[illkemist]

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT

If you need just USB, I highly recommend Pico. It gets scarily close to DA100.

Actually, I need the optical input more than anything else. And it's hard to find one in a small form factor that matches the SQ found in larger DACs.

[Mister Crash]

Well, the VDA-2 is pretty small and light, and offers both optical and coaxial input. Even without the external power supply, it's still an excellent choice. There is also an adapter that allows you to create a balanced output from the VDA-2 if you decide to go balanced in the future.

[illkemist]

Originally Posted by Mister Crash

Well, the VDA-2 is pretty small and light, and offers both optical and coaxial input. Even without the external power supply, it's still an excellent choice. There is also an adapter that allows you to create a balanced output from the VDA-2 if you decide to go balanced in the future.

Thanks, I'd never heard of it before this thread. I'll have to take a look.

[Joelc87]

Originally Posted by illkemist

I can only recommend what I've heard, and I've ditched all of my previous DACs for the Headroom Ultra Micro DAC. At the time, it was twice what I wanted to spend on a new piece of kit. However, I am really impressed and satisfied with the level of performance from this diminutive box. At 700 USD, it's in your stated range.

I'd have to agree to this. The Ultra Micro upsamples to 24/192, and I have only heard great things about this DAC at $699US that's well within your price range. Plus this thing is tiny, and accepts USB, Optical, and Coaxial.

[Ricey20]

Interested in this too. So I wonder whats the verdict between the DA100 and VDA2/VAC1. I have a Pico (portable use)and think the DAC is awesome so maybe the DA100? I really dont know

[MCC]

I spent 1/2 of a year researching DACs and ended up with the Stello. My only complaint so far is that I would love to have a choice between upsampling on and off- the difference b/w the two is much larger than I was lead to believe.

Upsampling "on" emphasizes instrumentation and brings forth an exciting presentation while upsampling "off" is more laid back natural sounding. Vocals are far superior with upsampling off, but some resolution is lost esp. in the higher frequencies. If there were only something in-between, à la DA-220...

Also note that the DA-100 is not at all forgiving to bad recordings. It took some getting used to, but I now appreciate hearing every single flaw instead of ignoring them. This adds character in my opinion but you may feel differently.

Just my 2¢- I haven't heard the other DACs on the list. You won't see me parting with my beloved DA-100 anytime soon though!

[Andrew_WOT]

Originally Posted by MCC

I spent 1/2 of a year researching DACs and ended up with the Stello. My only complaint so far is that I would love to have a choice between upsampling on and off- the difference b/w the two is much larger than I was lead to believe.

Why is that a complaint, DA100 does have upsampling bypass switch? Sorry, don't understand what you really were trying to say.

[illkemist]

The complaint is that it's either on or off, and nothing in-between, like the DA-220.

[Ricey20]

anyone have impressions on the Zapfiltered/Modded Zhaolu and a DA100?

[basman]

So far really impressed by the warmness of DA100. Im lovin'n my Grados now.