http://www.shadowdistribution.co.uk/cec/DA53.htm

GBP 799

Ouch!

I also would like to know how to find one at US. It seems the street price at JP is also about USD 500.

http://www.ippinkan.com/cec/cec_page1.htm

I ask them if them can ship to US, but with no luck.

Like Elephas, my primary listen my music on iTunes. (Apple Lossless) I am using HD515 and SR60 for a while, but want to upgrade to STAX SRS 2020. (which requies DAC to work with my computer) Upon check all these web site, it seems CEC DA53 is the top choice. The only problem is how to get one with "reasonable" price tag.

Interestingly enough, this CEC dac uses almost the same DAC IC as the VDA2, but the VDA2 has a better output stage. Somthing to consider if you don't need the features of CEC. Im not trying to pimp the VDA2, I just got into a conversation with Dusty about it, we where talking about various dac's and it came up. Obviously the VDA2 has no usb input though.. a 25$ AV710 will fix that though.

MikeW, please let us know your impressions of the Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 DAC.

The CEC DA53 brochure states that it uses dual-mono Burr-Brown PCM 1796.
--
And here's the Moodlab Dice DAC I just got. It's also a TDA1543 non-oversampling DAC, and has toslink optical, digital RCA coaxial, and USB inputs.

(Click thumbnails to view)








Deskside Rig with DA53 and Moodlab Dice DACs in action

so what are your impressions of the dice dac vs the da53?

Im really not the best person to make comments on the VDA2, as the new kid on the block I havent heard much. The only sources i've heard is Dialogue II and X-FI. This dac's not even in the same league as those, suffice to say it's the best source i've ever personally heard, but that much should be obvious. The VDA2 truely lifted my system to a whole new level of performance I dident even know my amp was capable of. Bass is absolutely incredible, deep, textured, punchy, incredible bass impact/slam. Mid's are full and warm, and the high's are very realistic, things like symbols have definition and texture to them that i've never heard before, they sound like real symbols, like metal instead of a clash of high frequency noise that im used to. I've only had it a couple of days, and due to a slight packing mishap I did not get a power cord for my VAC1, so im still using just the wallwart. I called CI and they apologized and shiped out another cable via Priority mail the next day. I'll post more impressions when i've had it longer and it's better burned in and vac powered.

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Sorry to bring up this thread again. But its really one great thread.

Any updates on the VDA-2 impression? How much difference the VAC-1 made to the VDA-2?

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(Thanks to mikechai for bumping this, or I would've forgotten about it)

The Moodlab Dice DAC is similar to the previous model Moodlab TDA1543 and the Mhdt Lab Dialogue II, which I no longer own. They have a warm, smooth and liquid sound that is non-fatiguing and great for long-term listening. The newer Dice model is more detailed than the previous Moodlab TDA1543, which only has coaxial input. The Dice is much more versatile with toslink, coaxial and USB inputs.

What the Moodlab Dice gains in smoothness it gives up in details and resolution. Compared to the CEC DA53 and Lavry DA10, its attack and decay of notes are rolled off and have less texture. This also makes it more forgiving of bad recordings. With some pop and rock music, I sometimes prefer the Moodlab Dice's sound over the CEC and Lavry. It can depend on my mood, the type of music, the quality of the recording and the headphones being used.

I think a non-oversampling DAC such as the Moodlab Dice complements a 'regular' DAC and provides a different flavor of sound that can also be very enjoyable. If one's music tastes are eclectic and cover a wide range of genres, it is almost essential to have both types.

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Hey Elephas, do you have any info on how/where to buy the Dice? price also would be nice I'm pretty interested. Is it AC power or DC? I guess it comes with a wallwart, 110 or 220? Many thanks.

Oops, I believe you've already bought an Mhdt Lab Paradisea.

Anyway, for others who may be interested:

The Moodlab Dice is available on eBay, seller is tomtom_at

It is currently priced at US$372. It comes with a 100-240V wallwart with UK-type plug.

There's a new Concept TDA1543 that's US$185.

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Yes I did , I'm coming up with a review soon...

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I really want to upgrade my dac. CEC DA53, VAC-2 is out of reach. Dice is good, but I can live without USB port. <- consider the 300+ price difference (I only have optic out on my PC) Is this the one Elephas referes to?

http://cgi.ebay.com/DAC-Philips-TDA1...QQcmdZViewItem

I plan to use it with STAX 2050 or 3030, depend on my budget...

If anyone is interested in purchasing CEC equipment, you may want to check out http://www.audiocubes2.com/

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No, that is not the Moodlab Dice DAC or Mhdt Lab DACs I'm referring to. The linked DAC appears to be a Lite DAC-AH.