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One box DAC+Amp (Benchmark DAC-1, PeachTree Nova) vs. separate components

post #1 of 10
6/25/09 at 5:22pm
Thread Starter 
I'm looking for a new DAC and a headphone amp for under $1200 total.

Am I better off getting a single box box (such as the Benchmark DAC-1 or the Peachtree Nova), or should I get separate components (for example, a DacMagic and Woo Audio 6)?

Please answer the poll above.
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post #2 of 10
6/25/09 at 5:29pm
I see no need for separate components, and have been quite pleased with my DAC-1 since I bought it two and a half years ago.
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post #3 of 10
6/25/09 at 9:05pm
Separate and you have the flexibility to upgrade either piece. A good amp designer doesn't necessarily have equivalent dac skills and vice versa.
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post #4 of 10
2/20/10 at 2:02am

Casea Lyra Digital is great choice

Take Casea Lyra Digital, perfect DAC and excellent amp, and the price is amazing. No more words.
Casea - vše pro lepší zvuk | produkty


http://www.casea.eu/pictures/pristro..._3792_1000.jpg
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post #5 of 10
2/20/10 at 3:03am
It's a no-brainer for me... separate is the way to go. I haven't heard any component raved about as being both an outstanding DAC and an outstanding amp (save maybe the RWA stuff).
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post #6 of 10
2/20/10 at 3:59am
Most products from the pro world: Benchmark, Lavry & Co are DACs first and foremost. Their amp, while good by most people's standards do not are not worth more than a mid-fi headamp.
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post #7 of 10
2/20/10 at 7:37am
Get a benchmark or the lavry now and get the separate amp later
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post #8 of 10
2/20/10 at 8:20am
The biggest reason to go the sperate route is that amp technology doesn't change that much from year to year, whereas DAC tech does. If you get a high quality amp that you like now, assuming your taste doesn't change much or your 'phones (or at least the style of phones that you like), you will likely still like it in five more years or longer. But DAC technology seems to be still changing quite a bit more frequently, especially at the under $2000 price point, the DACS at these prices are quite a bit better then a few years ago. So you might want to change or upgrade your DAC in the next couple of years, but still want to keep your amp.
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post #9 of 10
2/20/10 at 2:16pm
I really would love to try the iDecco since not only can be fed via the iPod dock and access the digital files but it also sports a dynamic headphone socket. But the icing is that I could use the speaker out to drive an AKG K1000. If it sounds as good as it looks it would make a great office rig. Now, who will loan me an iDecco?
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post #10 of 10
2/21/10 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by insyte View Post
Get a benchmark or the lavry now and get the separate amp later
That sounds familiar....

Hard to find an excellent DAC that comes with an excellent Amp.
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