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Help choosing between DAC's - please

post #1 of 13
8/7/08 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 
So
I have come down to four DAC's:

1)The DAC1 - Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.
Famous Benchmark DAC1

2)Audio Horizons
Audio Horizons DAC-2a

3)PS Audio - Stereo Products - Digital Link III
Digital Link III from PS Audio

4)Oritek Audio - OMZ DAC Information Page
Oritek OMZ DAC

5)Any thing else you might think I will want


SO
What should I take, and why ?
What will u recommend me please?
The main idea is connecting the DAC to my PC using optical cable.
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post #2 of 13
8/7/08 at 4:03pm
More head?
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post #3 of 13
8/7/08 at 4:13pm
That's a very narrow list. Have a read up on the Lavry, Bel Canto, Beresford, Micro Dac, etc. They are in no way inferior to any of the ones you listed, and cover a wide price range.
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post #4 of 13
8/7/08 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
^^^


How the H#$# can I choose ?!
So many

I need HELP
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post #5 of 13
8/7/08 at 4:28pm
It is quite simple:
Load up Microsoft Excel and list all the DACs on your list in a horizontal row, plus any other ones people might mention to look at. Then write down in a vertical column all the features that you must have, and under that, the features you can live with. Then find out which DACs have the features that you must have. Tick those features along the horizontal rows under each DAC. Then start googling each DAC and read up what different people say on different forums.This is very important since some forums have paid sponsors, product pushers, etc. Make another row on your Excel chart, and mark each DAC according to the information others provide on it that you are pleased with.
Then the last thing is to put the price down for each DAC delivered to your address. Now you have a good list of your own information. From that list it will be far easier to pick the one you can afford and that has everything you need.
By the way, in your list of needs, put down connections on the DAC as well as things such as soundstage, warmth, bass, mids,and treble performance.
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post #6 of 13
8/7/08 at 10:24pm
Channel Islands VDA-2. Lots of people like this one. I have one. I can't compare it to any others because I haven't owned any other ones. I can comment on a couple of things about it, tough.

1. It has been reviewed very favorably compared to the DAC-1 by Benchmark.
2. It can be used for balanced output to an amp.
3. It has a coax and an optical input.
4. It has 2 RCA outputs
5. You can switch between inputs on the fly for comparing sources or other things
6. It has a phase switch which I haven't used yet.
7. Even with the power supply upgrade it is cheaper than the DAC-1.

I like mine and I use it as a DAC for my CDP and my PC (Audigy 2 ZS w/ I/O board). I think I will be ordering the optional power supply upgrade tomorrow.
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post #7 of 13
8/7/08 at 11:06pm
It'd probably be between the DAC1 and the Oritek OMZ for me. DAC1 for pure accuracy, Oritek OMZ for more musicality. Your choice.
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post #8 of 13
8/8/08 at 12:13am
Maybe it's best to let us know the rest of your setup. There may be practical considerations (headamp in Benchmark, Lavry, some Ori models, etc.) and synergistic (overly warm, etc.) ones.
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post #9 of 13
8/8/08 at 3:55am
Thread Starter 
Amm
I have the Shinn 595
And want the HD 650 and 600
And Grado GS1000 (love them - will probably get them first)

I was tinking of the OMZ of ORitk, what do u think?
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post #10 of 13
8/9/08 at 9:39am
If you have the money, DAC1 all the way. If you could benefit from a preamp, the DAC1 Pre has a really nice selection of inputs and outputs. Channel Islands is supposed to be pretty good though, so if money's tighter, consider that one.
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post #11 of 13
8/9/08 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeadLover View Post
So5)Any thing else you might think I will want
The Red Wine Audio Isabellina maybe?
Battery powered DA Converter.
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post #12 of 13
8/9/08 at 2:38pm
If you can afford a bit more than what you have on your list I would add a Stello DA220MKII
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post #13 of 13
8/9/08 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 
As for now I am picking up the Oritek OMZ new version
What do u think of it guys?
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