Point of rapidly diminishing returns? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Brando · 06-08-2008, 04:21 AM

I'm thinking maybe I'll go for a nice dac next tax time but I don't want to spend way more than I need to. Then again I don't want to lose important features just to save a few bucks. What's a nice dac to go with my AD2000's and gilmore lite for say....$900 or less (hopefully less) with optical and spdif inputs. I'd like to get something that's a great value for the money. Also, something that just changes digital to analog without adding some kind of signature sound. Something "neutral" if that word applies to dacs. Yeah I'm planning way ahead but hey, the sooner the better right? Thanks for putting up with me. I love how my setup sounds but I think I've got the sickness. It's never enough!
EDIT: Also, if possible, it would be nice if I could use it for my main stereo as well as my phones so multiple inputs\outputs are good but not mandatory. Thanks!

Brando · 06-08-2008, 04:03 PM

I guess I should have just titled this "Best dac for $900 or less?". But ok, I'll keep reading.

shomie911 · 06-08-2008, 04:25 PM

The Keces DA-151 is a neutral USB DAC. Plus it sounds great.

It only costs $250 used.

Brando · 06-08-2008, 04:42 PM

If that does what I want that would be great. I thought it would be more since another member told me it would be alot of $ to get better than my modded soundcard. He said discrete something or another was a key feature. I completely forgot to mention that optical and spdif inputs are necessary.

shomie911 · 06-08-2008, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Brando

If that does what I want that would be great. I thought it would be more since another member told me it would be alot of $ to get better than my modded soundcard. He said discrete something or another was a key feature.

I'm almost 100% sure it will be better than any soundcard, modded or not.

But you could probably get a better unit for $900.

Wavelength Audio, USB DACS, Crimson, Cosecant, Brick, Proton, Tube DACs

Scroll down to the bottom of the list and theirs a unit that goes for $900, the Proton 24/96 USB DAC.

From what I've heard Wavelength is the king of USB DACs.

You might actually be able to get the Brick USB DAC v2 ($1750) used for closer to $900-1400.

shomie911 · 06-08-2008, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Brando

If that does what I want that would be great. I thought it would be more since another member told me it would be alot of $ to get better than my modded soundcard. He said discrete something or another was a key feature. I completely forgot to mention that optical and spdif inputs are necessary.

Didn't read that.

I don't have any suggestions for that, as I only use USB DACs.

Brando · 06-08-2008, 08:40 PM

The CIAudio vda-2 looks like it fits the bill but I don't know what to believe. One opinion was that it sounds "too clear" and might lack bass somewhat. Another was that it's very neutral. I dunno.

ok computer · 06-08-2008, 10:17 PM

the keces 131 dac has optical and digital inputs, and should sound better than the 151. GL.

wower · 06-08-2008, 10:26 PM

I think for 900 you should look at the big two established players on head-fi, the Larvey D10 or The benchmark DAC1, with maybe the stello DA110 taking a slightly lower price point. I don't have any easy answers for which one you should choose, but those would be the two I would look at first.

Ricey20 · 06-09-2008, 12:00 AM

I agree with wower. At that price you can get a DAC1 used, Lavry D10 used, new Stello DA100 Signature, even a DA220 used if you can find someone selling one. There are others that you can get used at that price but their names aren't coming to me right now. If your lucky you may even be able to find a used Cambridge Audio 840c for around that price and it doubles as a cd player.