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Any DAC better than D2 Boa for around $200?

post #1 of 26
8/7/08 at 12:34am
Thread Starter 
Just wondering if for the same price there were any DACS that are better than the D2 Boa.
Portable, Home, USB, or SPDIF doesn't matter.
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post #2 of 26
8/7/08 at 4:11am
The controversial but undisputed king in that price range is still the Beresford TC-7510. As a matter of fact, no credible alternative to the MK6/3 version exists below the U$500. The previous versions are less well regarded.
But don't just take my word for it. Do a google search to confirm.
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post #3 of 26
8/7/08 at 4:44am
For fun, want to explain how "controversial but undisputed" is possible?
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post #4 of 26
8/7/08 at 5:02am
oh man. The show probably won't happen, but if it does I'll pay for front row seats.
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post #5 of 26
8/7/08 at 6:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LostOne.TR View Post
oh man. The show probably won't happen, but if it does I'll pay for front row seats.
Are we really going to have a smackdown over a mere $200? That will violate the Head-Fi spirit. Usually, we fight over which $5,000 interconnect has better transparency and soundstage.

Back to the OP.
See Larry's review which includes options in your price range:
MINI-REVIEW of 8 USB DAC amps

If size is less of a concern, there's the Travagans for a little more:
REVIEW: Travagan's home "Red" Headphone amp and "Green" and "White" Headphone Amp/USB DACs

or the Zero:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...re-amp-269458/

If you plan to listen out of your laptop for under $200, there's the cardbus option (express card coming soon) from Echo
Echo Digital Audio Corporation
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post #6 of 26
8/7/08 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blessingx View Post
For fun, want to explain how "controversial but undisputed" is possible?
Controversial on head-fi, but undisputed on places like the Naim forum. Did you know that the Beresford in MK6/3 guise matches and even out performs the Naim CDx3 and 5? And do you know how much those CD players cost?And that's coming from Naim owners themselves. Which other DAC can match that as far as you know?
For PC music playback, the Lavry and Beresford are two of the most frequently mentioned DACs, especially on the non-english forums. If you understand Norwegian, check out hifisentralen. Far more serious writing and advise on DACs there, with typical Norwegian honesty.
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post #7 of 26
8/7/08 at 7:49pm
(me>) [_] [_] [_]

I saved a few seats in this row...

Herandu-->

Psst...if the "controversy" dies down, someone just mention "Oritek", and watch him go!...
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post #8 of 26
8/7/08 at 8:30pm
I don't know about the typical Norwegian honesty, but as far as I know the D2 Boa is the undisputed king of its price range. The Govibe Petite is an alternative, but the Boa has more power.
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post #9 of 26
8/8/08 at 8:27am
Depends if you need the portability or not if you go with the D2 Boa. I'd expect some standalone DACs to beat it
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post #10 of 26
8/8/08 at 9:48am
I think you should consider the Beresford TC-7510 MK6/3 as a very competant desktop DAC. With four digital inputs, it also is a convenient line switch for multiple sources.

I recently did some cheap and easy mods to the unit and it made some modest improvement in sound quality and soundstage, so this is a DAC you can fiddle with if you choose to do so.

Customer service has been very good.
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post #11 of 26
8/8/08 at 11:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Herandu View Post
Controversial on head-fi, but undisputed on places like the Naim forum. Did you know that the Beresford in MK6/3 guise matches and even out performs the Naim CDx3 and 5? And do you know how much those CD players cost?And that's coming from Naim owners themselves.

I believe the term ROFLMAO was created for this kind of shill!


Quote:
Originally Posted by Herandu View Post
But don't just take my word for it
Don't worry, mate, I won't
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post #12 of 26
8/8/08 at 12:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1UP View Post
Don't worry, mate, I won't
You are based in London, which means that you are able to go and listen to that DAC in person in order to make up your own mind.
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post #13 of 26
8/8/08 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the info everyone.
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post #14 of 26
8/8/08 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StanleyB1 View Post
You are based in London, which means that you are able to go and listen to that DAC in person in order to make up your own mind.
Why would I waste my time making up my own mind with an actual subjective listening test when I can just read Herandu's 1,000,000 definitive claims that the Beresford wipes the floor clean with every DAC in the universe?

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/search...archid=4906867
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post #15 of 26
8/8/08 at 1:27pm
Ah, your search link has my big old fight in it...*sigh*...takes me back...that was fun...
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