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Best USB Dac between 500 and 1000

post #1 of 33
8/19/08 at 5:24pm
Thread Starter 
I am interested in getting a new dac in the 500 to 1000 range and I want it to have USB. Please give me some recommendations. I want something musical and not analytical and sterile like the DAC1. It will be paired with the VHP-2, copper interconnects and the 650 with V3 cable. Coax and optical are welcome as they make it future proof but they are not necessary. I like Rock, New Age, Jazz and Classical in that order.
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post #2 of 33
8/19/08 at 5:31pm
Check these out:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/re...ighlight=keces

Wavelength Audio, USB DACS, Crimson, Cosecant, Brick, Proton, Tube DACs - the new Proton is at the top of your budget

PS Audio DLIII might be worth an audition, too
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post #3 of 33
8/19/08 at 6:09pm
Scott Nixon USB Tube Dac+?: dac.htm
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post #4 of 33
8/19/08 at 6:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by olblueyez View Post
I want something musical and not analytical and sterile like the DAC1.
I see Stello in your future.
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post #5 of 33
8/19/08 at 7:05pm
Thread Starter 
You think there is a difference between the standard DA100 and the Signiture model as far as sound quality or is it just options? Also do you think Is2 implementation is important for USB?
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post #6 of 33
8/19/08 at 8:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by olblueyez View Post
You think there is a difference between the standard DA100 and the Signiture model as far as sound quality or is it just options? Also do you think Is2 implementation is important for USB?
From what I've collected they still do not do USB/I2S but run USB/SPDIF/I2S. Balanced output is also not a true balanced, there is a thread on Signature somewhere discussing that. My understanding that you can cut a great deal on regular one if contact their sales. Good luck.
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post #7 of 33
8/19/08 at 8:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT View Post
From what I've collected they still do not do USB/I2S but run USB/SPDIF/I2S. Balanced output is also not a true balanced, there is a thread on Signature somewhere discussing that. My understanding that you can cut a great deal on regular one if contact their sales. Good luck.
Do you mean the April Music folks in Korea or one of the US distributors?

I love it when those two words great and deal are so close in a sentence and I am in the market for a DAC as well.
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post #8 of 33
8/20/08 at 12:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by whaleyboy View Post
Do you mean the April Music folks in Korea or one of the US distributors?

I love it when those two words great and deal are so close in a sentence and I am in the market for a DAC as well.
Pretty sure this is from hifi500 web site
Check ironmine's posts here http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/ste...5/index36.html
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post #9 of 33
8/20/08 at 1:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by olblueyez View Post
I want something musical and not analytical and sterile

At the risk of being accused of fanboism, I direct you to this thread. Price is $550-600.

MHDT Labs Paradisea+ USB DAC
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post #10 of 33
8/20/08 at 3:41pm
You might also want to take a look at the Lavry DA10.

Not sterile and very smooth.

Cheers

Thomas
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post #11 of 33
8/20/08 at 4:54pm
Lavry has USB now?
Quote:
Originally Posted by thomaspf View Post
You might also want to take a look at the Lavry DA10.

Not sterile and very smooth.

Cheers

Thomas
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post #12 of 33
8/20/08 at 7:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT View Post
Lavry has USB now?
Nope. That'll be the day when they do.
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post #13 of 33
8/20/08 at 8:38pm
I'd second the Wavelength Proton, I have been waiting for this DAC to make an appearance for many months now. It is unique because of its asynchronous USB connection, virtually eliminating clock-based jitter at the USB receiver.
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post #14 of 33
8/20/08 at 8:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by m3_arun View Post
I'd second the Wavelength Proton, I have been waiting for this DAC to make an appearance for many months now. It is unique because of its asynchronous USB connection, virtually eliminating clock-based jitter at the USB receiver.
Have you or the first person who recommended it heard it? How does it compare to other DACs mentioned here?
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post #15 of 33
8/20/08 at 9:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by m3_arun View Post
I'd second the Wavelength Proton, I have been waiting for this DAC to make an appearance for many months now. It is unique because of its asynchronous USB connection, virtually eliminating clock-based jitter at the USB receiver.
Any idea when it will come out?
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