All the DACs money can buy, pt. 2 - Page 9

Devices like the Pace-Car reclocker and others can accomplish this. As for keeping this thread on-track, this is very relevant. With a low jitter source, even a $200 DAC like the VALAB can beat most $10K DACs out there. This is the point!

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Yes, actually it is that simple. I have customers doing exactly this. They are telling me what I already know: that reducing jitter is more important that spending a lot of money on a DAC. Spend the money to reduce jitter and then get a $200 DAC. Money better spent and a better result.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

There's another version of the Stello DA100:

Stello DA100 Signature $995 Link 1 Link 2
DAC: AKM AK4395
Upsampling (optional)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical, XLR, I2S
Output: RCA, XLR

I'm just assuming the DAC chip is the same as in the non-signature DA100... I really don't know.

Also, the link for the Stello DA100 doesn't work for me. Maybe use this or this?

This list is great btw, thanks!

The Valab NOS usb DAC

Price 200$
input: usb, coax, toslink
Out: RCA
DAC 8x TDA1543

I have found no further technical information than what is listed at their website.

Inputs:
4 digital inputs: 2 RCA, 1 Toslink, 1 USB
Outputs:1x Balanced XLR, 1x RCA
Output impedance: Balanced and single 10 Ohm
Frequency response: DC to 1MHz – 3dB
90VA converter
10.000uF capacitator reserve

Width 430mm
Height 70mm
Depth 160mm
Weight 5Kg

I have also found information that they had production problems with the front panel, having to remake these which in turn delayed the release. And that the first batch of 100 units have been covered for.
That's all I know.

So I recently bought a pair of HD650s and a Little Dot MKIII and have been using my iTouch as a source cause my computer's sound card is utterly terrible. Given that I want access to my 30+ gigs of the music stored on my computer (and to use a higher quality source than my iPod) I was wondering what DACs I should consider within the price range of 200-300 dollars.

You're in the wrong thread. Go to the source thread and read or ask about DACs. This thread is about a lit of DACs. Don't answer this Post back either. I believe the OP is trying to keep this thread manageable with only Info posts about DACs. Not infor Requests for which dac to get. Any more questions, hit me with a PM.

EDIT: Go ahead and PM me, I got an answer for you in addition to the advice above.

.

I don't see y1, did I miss it?

The γ1 Modular Miniature DAC

A correction: The HotUSB1 is $59 at the moment, not $80.

Benchmark DAC or DAC1 Pre

Glad to see these listed.

Maybe add the hifidiy.net ones too?

Mini TDA1543, DIY / Assembled $62.99 link

DAC: Philips TDA1543
Input: Coaxial, Optical
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Output: RCA

-This is the improved version with DIR9001 instead of CS8414 as the receiver that can't be bought on the US HiFiDIY, but only on eBay or the Chinese site

Extreme TDA1543 (TDA1543 2005 Edition), DIY-only $88 link

DAC: Philips TDA1543 (x4)
Input: Coaxial, Optical
Digital receiver: Cirrus CS8412
Op-amps: Burr-Brown OPA604AP (2x)
Output: builder's choice

-Can be upgraded to 8x TDA1543 ala DAC-AH

Op-amp TDA1541, DIY-only $255 link

DAC: Philips TDA1541A
Input: Coaxial, Optical
Digital receiver: Cirrus CS8412
Op-amp: Burr-Brown OPA604AP (2x)
Output: builder's choice

Tube TDA1541, DIY-only $265 link

DAC: Philips TDA1541A
Input: Coaxial, Optical
Digital receiver: Cirrus CS8412
Op-amp: none (tube 6N11J)
Output: builder's choice

Lampizator dude has a few interesting DACs too that can be readily found on the intarwebs

Lampucera $59 link

DAC: Cirrus CS4397
Input: Coaxial, Optical
Digital receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Op-amp: NE5532
Output: RCA

Also a heads up the DAC-AH link is dead, the stnadard DAC-AH at Pacific Valve has gone here while the modified one has gone here

Why did I not see this thread before ?! That's really useful to see what is available and to compare !

Looks like the PS Audio Digital Link III (#90 in your list is no longer available?). It may have been superseded by this the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC. I have no other info other than this link below. Thanks for all your good work. Great reference thread for DAC's. I come back here time and time again and have recommended it to so many other audio colleagues.

PerfectWave DAC : Product Details | PS Audio