Logical Upgrade Path From the Microdac?

[PITTM]

I recently upgraded from my Hornet to a Woo6 so my setup no longer needs portability by any means. I have also heard a lot of bashing of the microdac lately and I'm beginning to think I could do much better. I dont want to spend more than $500 or so. I have been looking at used vda-1/vac-1, used ack dack 1.3's and the keces 131, but reading reviews of audio equipment nowadays is incredibly unhelpful. They either compare it to something way way better and say its only slightly worse or they just talk about how great it is so that the manufacturer will continue to advertise in their magazines.

I am kind of wary of the keces as I have heard SOOO many bad things about chinese made gear and have tried to buy products that are really solidly built(like the woo). Both of the other products have newer versions, but the newer versions are MUCH more expensive.

Does anyone have any suggestions for something else I should look at or comparisons to another dac vs. the microdac or even personal experiences? I feel pretty lost and I wish we had a California meet coming soon so that I could hear a few different DAC's and a/b them in my current setup. Thanks!

[verbaan]

Originally Posted by PITTM

I am kind of wary of the keces as I have heard SOOO many bad things about chinese made gear and have tried to buy products that are really solidly built(like the woo).

I haven't seen the woo, but do have the Keces. I can tell you the Keces is really solidly built. For what it's worth I think the Keces is from Taiwan (but some consider that china too ).

[GordonFreeman]

:: Headphone/Preamp & USB-DAC :: HiFi500 :: info@hifi500.com ::

One of the Stello units would make a nice mate for your Woo. I dont know if 500 will get you much of an upgrade unless you find something spectacular in the used department. IMO, I would save a bit and go for something like a Benchmark Dac1 or the Stello Signature. BTW, does your Woo have any upgrades and is your microDac the standard or ultra?