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All the DACs money can buy, pt. 2

post #1 of 198
5/15/08 at 6:06pm
Thread Starter 
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:
  1. TooleAudio BantamDAC, DIY-only $32 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Input: USB
    Output: builder's choice
    USB-powered
  2. 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
  3. Hot Audio HotUSB1 $59 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2705
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
    USB-powered
  4. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 $60 Link
    Quote:
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA, 1/8" TRS (x2), Optical digital
  5. Creative Xmod $80 Link
    Quote:
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
    USB-powered
  6. 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
  7. E-MU 0202 USB $99 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4392
    Input: USB
    Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS
    USB-powered
  8. SilverStone EB01 $100 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA604
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
    USB-powered
  9. AMB γ1 (gamma 1) modular miniature DAC, DIY $100-150 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Wolfson WM8501 (or WM8759)
    S/PDIF receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    USB receiver: Burr-Brown PCM2707
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB (switch selectable)
    Output: 1/8" TRS
    USB-to-S/PDIF converter (optional)
    USB-powered or regulated DC wallwart powered
  10. Trends Audio UD-10 $119 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2704
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
  11. Firestone Fubar II $120 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Tianyun Zero DAC $139 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    Op-amp: OPA2604
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  15. 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
  16. 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)
  17. AMB γ2 (gamma 2) compact high performance DAC, DIY $150-250 Link
    Quote:
    Upgrade for AMB γ1
    DAC: Wolfson WM8741, WM8742 or WM8740
    Upsampling chip: Burr-Brown SRC4192 or Analog Devices AD1896 (optional)
    Output buffer/analog LPF/balanced-to-unbalanced conversion: OPA2365 or AD8656
    Filter: multiple choices
    Input: I²S from γ1
    Output: RCA, 1/8" TRS
    Soft-clipping mode
  18. Hot Audio USB DAC High Fidelity $156 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2707
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
    USB-powered
  19. Pro-Ject USB Box $159 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x?
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  20. Beresford TC-7510 MK6/3 $170 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2)
    Outputs: RCA (x2)
  21. 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
  22. Gigalab Moon $185 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  23. 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)
  24. 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
  25. Stereo-Link Model 1200 $198 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  26. 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
  27. 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
    (*200)
  28. Sigtone Shek h1 $200 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
  29. 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
  30. Firestone Audio FubarIII $210 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  31. Zhaolu D3 $229 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4398
    Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA134 (x2)
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, RJ-45 TG Link
    Output: RCA
  32. 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
  33. 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)
  34. Firestone Spitfire $250 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1793
    Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  35. KECES DA-151 $250 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Op-amp: National LME49710
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  36. 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
  37. Moodlab Concept $261 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8412
    Op-amp: none, passive IV conversion
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
  38. Meier-Audio Corda 2Move $271 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Op-amp: Analog Devices AD8610
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/8" TRS
  39. 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
  40. Sigtone Shek d1 $280 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8412-IS
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  41. Musiland MD-10 $295 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4398
    Op-amp: Analog Devices OP275
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, BNC
    Outputs: RCA, 1/8" TRS
  42. Musical Fidelity V-DAC $299 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown DSD1792
    Upsampling
    Input: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  43. Little Dot DAC_I $309 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Wolfson WM8740
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  44. Xindak DAC-3 MKII $319 Link
    Quote:
    Upsampling
    Input: Coaxial, Optical
  45. Yulong DAH1 $319 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
    Digital Volume Controller: Cirrus CS3310
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: Variable and fixed RCA
  46. KECES DA-131 $320 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1793
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA604 (x2)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  47. Sigtone Shek d2 $320 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1545A
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8412-CS
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  48. 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
  49. 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
  50. Citypulse DA7.2x II $350 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Outputs: RCA (x2, variable and fixed), XLR
  51. 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
  52. 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
  53. 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
  54. Cambridge Audio DacMagic $399 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Wolfson WM8740 (x2)
    Upsampling
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
  55. Core Sound HeadLine $399 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical
    Output: 1/4" TRS
    Battery-powered (9V x2), external power supply optional
  56. Diyeden Great March 2 $399 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1798
    Upsampling chip: TI SRC4190
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  57. HeadRoom Micro DAC $399 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4398
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    USB controller: TI PCM2902
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: 1/8" TRS
  58. 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
  59. 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
  60. Monica3, DIY fully-assembled $432-476 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1545A
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
    Input: BNC (x2)
    Output: RCA
  61. 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
  62. RDL RU-SPC1D $450 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC
    Output: XLR
  63. Lite DAC 60 $465 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
    Op-amp: none (tube)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  64. Ray Samuels Audio Predator $475 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
    Input: USB
    Output: 1/4" TRS
  65. 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
    (*500)
  66. 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
  67. Presonus Central Station $500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: AKM ?
    Inputs: Firewire, Coaxial, Optical
    Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS (x5)
  68. 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)
  69. Mhdt Laboratory Paradisea 3 $569 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1545A
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
    Op-amp: National LM4562, tube-buffered output (GE5670)
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  70. 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)
  71. 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
  72. Lite DAC 38 $599 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  73. 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
  74. Chord Chordette Gem $602 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Bluetooth, USB
    Output: RCA
  75. Softone Model_2 $650 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1716
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
    Op-amp: none (tube 6DJ8)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  76. Abrahamsen V6.0 $675 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4398
    Upsampling
    Input: USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical
    Output: RCA, XLR
  77. Stello DA100 $695 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: AKM AK4395
    Upsampling (optional)
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical (x2)
    Output: RCA
  78. 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
  79. Lite DAC 68 $699 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1853
    Upsampling
    Op-amp: none (tube 6922EH/6DJ8)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  80. PS Audio Digital Link III $700 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1798DB
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
    Op-amp: none, discrete FET output stage
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  81. Audio-gd DAC-3SE $715 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K (x4)
    Digital receiver chip: Texas Instruments DIR9001
    Inputs: Coaxial, BNC
    Output: RCA
  82. 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
  83. 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
  84. 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
  85. 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
  86. AudioNemesis DC-1 $821 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Multibit
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Op-amp: none, discrete output stage
    Input: Coaxial
    Output: RCA
  87. CEC DA53 $849 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1796 (x2, dual-mono), PCM2906 (headphone output)
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  88. 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
  89. 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
  90. Lite / Pacific Valve Brigatta $885 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  91. Mhdt Laboratory Havana $899 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM56P
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
    Op-amp: none, tube GE5670
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  92. 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
  93. Lavry Engineering LavryBlack DA10 $975 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
    Upsampling (optional)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Output: XLR
    (*1,000)
  94. 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
  95. 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
  96. The Audio Zone DAC-1 $1,167 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1541
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Input: BNC (RCA optional)
    Output: RCA
  97. Audio Horizons DAC-2a $1,295 Link
    Quote:
    Input: Optical
    Output: RCA
  98. Neko Audio D100 $1,295 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1794A (x2, dual-mono)
    Digital receiver: Wolfson WM8804
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: XLR
  99. HeadRoom Ultra Desktop DAC $1,299 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: ESS Technology ES9008 SABRE
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA, XLR
  100. 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
  101. Lavry Engineering LavryBlue LE4496 $1,325 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1955
    Upsampling (optional)
    Inputs: XLR (x2), Coaxial
  102. 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
  103. 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
  104. 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
  105. 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
  106. Red Wine Audio Isabellina $1,500-2,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA154x
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Inputs: USB [optional +$500], Optical, BNC (with RCA-BNC adapter)
    Output: RCA
    SLA battery-powered
  107. Monarchy Audio NM24 $1,590 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM-63K
    Op-amp: none (tube SRPP 6DJ8)
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  108. Grace m902 $1,596 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1730
    Inputs: USB, XLR, Coaxial, Optical
    Output: RCA
  109. 47 Labs Shigaraki $1,480 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Input: Coaxial
    Output: RCA
  110. Sutherland 12dAX7 $1,600 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
    Input: USB
    Op-amp: none (tube 12AX7)
  111. TwinDAC+ $1,600 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, RJ-45
    Output: RCA
    May require separate proprietary battery supply at additional cost
  112. Wavelength Audio Brick $1,750 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Op-amp: none (tube 12AU7A)
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
  113. 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
  114. Audial The Model $1,850 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1541A
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Inputs: USB, BNC (RCA possible with adapter)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  115. 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
  116. 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
  117. Cyrus DAC X $2,200 Link
    Quote:
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial (x4), Optical (x2)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  118. Electrocompaniet ECD1 $2,250 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4398
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR, Coaxial digital, Optical digital
  119. 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
  120. 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)
  121. Ayre QB-9 $2,500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown DSD1796
    USB receiver chip: Texas Instruments TAS1020B
    Op-amp: none, discrete
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA, XLR
  122. 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
  123. 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
  124. Red Wine Audio Isabellina HPA $2,500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA154x
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Op-amp: none, discrete class A
    Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
    Outputs: RCA, 1/4" TRS
    SLA battery-powered
  125. Lucid Audio 88192 $2,599 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Optical (x2), XLR (x4)
    Outputs: XLR (x8, four pairs), Optical digital (x2), XLR digital (x4)
  126. 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)
  127. Grace m904 $2,795 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2)
  128. Stellavox ST2 $2,862 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  129. Weiss Engineering DAC2 $2,995 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Firewire (x2), Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR, Firewire, XLR digital
  130. 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)
  131. PS Audio PerfectWave $3,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Wolfson WM8471
    Optional Upsampling
    Op-amps: none, discrete
    Inputs: I2S (via HDMI), USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  132. Apogee DA-16X $3,200 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Optical (x4), BNC, XLR (x8)
    Output: XLR (x16)
  133. Lake People DAC F466-S $3,200 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR (x2)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  134. 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
  135. 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
  136. 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
  137. Audiomat Tempo 2.5 $4,190 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x2)
    Upsampling
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8414
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR
    Output: RCA
  138. Cyrus DAC XP $4,350 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x4), Optical (x2)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  139. Chord QBD76 $4,523 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Pulse Array, 5th gen (proprietary)
    Inputs: Bluetooth, USB, Coaxial (x2), Optical (2x), XLR (2x)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  140. 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
  141. 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
    (*5,000)
  142. Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC $5,000 Link
    Quote:
    Filter: multiple choices
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR, BADA
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
    HDCD-capable
  143. Prism Orpheus $5,000 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical
    Outputs: 1/4" TRS (x4)
  144. Weiss Engineering DAC1 / DAC1-MK2 $5,900, $6,700 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Analog Devices AD1853
    Upsampling: Weiss proprietary DSP
    Receiver: Cirrus CS8413
    Op-amp: Analog Devices AD797, discrete class A
    Inputs: Optical, XLR (x3)
    Outputs: XLR, XLR Digital (x3)
  145. 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
  146. Audiomeca Enkianthus $6,267 Link
    Quote:
    Upsampling chip: Analog Devices DSP 21065L
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), BNC, Optical, XLR, AT&T
    Output: RCA
  147. 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
  148. Chord Electronics DAC64 $6,500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Pulse Array, 4th gen (proprietary)
    Receiver: Proprietary
    Inputs: Coaxial, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  149. 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
  150. 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
  151. Ensemble Audio Dichrono Hi-DAC $6,999 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Cirrus CS4397
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, BNC
    Output: RCA
  152. Manley WAVE $7,500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: UltraAnalog D20400
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR, ST Glass
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
    HDCD-capable
  153. Dodson Audio DA-218 $8,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704U-K
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  154. McIntosh MDA1000 $8,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x8)
    Inputs: Coaxial (x3), Optical (x3), XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  155. 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
  156. Spectral SDR-2000 $8,999 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: UltraAnalog D20400
    Op-amp: none, discrete output
    HDCD-capable
  157. 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
  158. 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
  159. 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
  160. EMM Labs DAC6e $9,995 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Proprietary
    Inputs: Optical, XLR (x3)
    Outputs: RCA (x3 pairs), XLR (x3 pairs)
    (*10,000)
  161. 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
  162. 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
  163. Wavelength Ultimate DPU $11,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Philips TDA1543
    Non Over Sampling (NOS)
    Input: USB
    Output: RCA
    Custom version
  164. Nagra DAC $13,000 Link
    Quote:
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial (x3), Optical, XLR
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  165. 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
  166. EMM Labs DCC2 SE $13,500 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Proprietary
    Upsampling
    Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, XLR (x2), BNC (x2 for DSD)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
  167. 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
  168. 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
  169. dCS Paganini DAC $17,999 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: dCS Ring DAC
    Inputs: Coaxial (x2), XLR (x2), IEEE1394 (x2)
    Outputs: RCA, XLR
    (*20,000)
  170. 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
  171. 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
  172. 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
  173. Esoteric D-01 $32,000 Link
    Quote:
    Inputs: Coaxial, XLR (x2), i.Link (x2)
    Outputs: Mono RCA or XLR
  174. 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
  175. Boulder Amplifiers 2020 $35,000 Link
    Quote:
    DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1704 (x10)
    Upsampling
    Input: XLR
    Outputs: XLR (x2)
  176. 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
Reply

Head-Fi's Best Sellers

post #2 of 198
5/15/08 at 6:06pm
Thread Starter 
Space reserved for future info.
Reply
post #3 of 198
5/15/08 at 6:11pm
Awesome! I have consulted granodemostasa's original thread many times since joining Head-Fi. Thanks for keeping it current!
Reply
post #4 of 198
5/15/08 at 6:57pm
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
Reply
post #5 of 198
5/15/08 at 7:29pm
Thread Starter 
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.
Reply
post #6 of 198
5/15/08 at 7:34pm
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.
Reply
post #7 of 198
5/16/08 at 12:42am
Here's another that I haven't heard and can't afford but would love to audition one day:

Berkeley Audio Design
Reply
post #8 of 198
5/16/08 at 3:35am
And another one:
Audionemesis DC-1 AudioNemesis - Enjoy the music - D/A Converter DC-1 ~$780
Reply
post #9 of 198
5/16/08 at 5:51am
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
Reply
post #10 of 198
5/16/08 at 6:02am
Great resource this, but easier to maintain as a blog.

Should be a sticky thread to the blog on the board, I reckon.
Reply
post #11 of 198
5/16/08 at 8:25am
Great list and thanks very much for the effort. Don't forget also to add the ZERO DAC as well.
Reply
post #12 of 198
5/16/08 at 9:38am
Thread Starter 
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.
Reply
post #13 of 198
5/16/08 at 11:11am
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
Reply
post #14 of 198
5/16/08 at 12:01pm
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.
Reply
post #15 of 198
5/16/08 at 12:20pm
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...
Reply
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Head-Fi's Best Sellers

Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › All the DACs money can buy, pt. 2