NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS INTO A WIKI POST YET. THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, THANK YOU.
NOTE: Taking a break for a day, feel free to post and look, but, don't start the PMs and corrections flying just yet. It's just about 3/4 done.
Please, feel free to PM me at any time with any concerns to do with the list. It's coming together slowly, but surely. Remember, only commercially available DACs are included here. If you can't find it for sale NEW, then it's not included.
Note One: I'm not going to be including Recording stations besides a few exceptions. (IE: 0202/0404/PreSonus Central) These are often more expensive and often worse compared to another DAC of the same price range. If you feel one should be added to the list, feel free to post/PM about it, and I'll toss it up.
Note Two: Prices are an oddity. Places like Hot Audio have their products routinely marked down MASSIVELY (half or less their 'MRSP'). This means that if you are interested in a product, a quick Google will be more helpful than my pricing guide. That said, I've tried to list everything at their NONSALE listed price, in USD.
TERMINOLOGY: This guide assumes a few things from interchangeable terms.
RCA - These are the red/white ones, always come in pairs.
XLR (L/R) - I've labeled it this way to show that they're standard 2x 3-pin plugs
TOSLINK - Some people label it Optical, but that gets a little confusing, since there are only two optical connections used in sound, TOSLINK and mini-TOSLINK.
Coaxial - This is to be Coaxial RCA, not BNC. BNC is separately specified.
3-conductor cable - This is the standard power cable with the three prongs, like the one that goes into the back of a computer. I wasn't sure what to call it.
ADC - Line-ins intended for recording purposes
SEARCH SYSTEM: As a temporary setup, you can search for some keywords to fine what you're looking for. Once I get it done, then into the Wiki, I'll try to categorize.
(DIY) = DIY-kit or pro-assembled unit
24/96 over USB = 24/96 over USB via some kind of driver or newer USB receiver
Tube amp = The unit contains a Tube based amp/preamp
Battery = Battery powered units
Non-oversampling (AKA NOS) = NOS units are all labeled with this
Upsampling = All upsampling DACs
Upsampling to 24/96 = Self explanatory
Upsampling to 24/192 = Again
TooleAudio BantamDAC (DIY) - $25-40+
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered
Alien DAC (DIY) - $30-52+
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 - $59
Output: RCA, 2x 1/8" (Cen/Rear), TOSLINK
Musiland Monitor 01 US - $80
Little Dot Q - $89
DAC: PCM2704
Tube: 6N16D
Input: USB, 1/8" line in
Output: 1/8" headphone
Power: USB-powered
Other: Tube amp
AMB γ1 (AKA Gamma1) (DIY or 'Pro Built') - $90-150
S/PDIF receiver: Cirrus CS8416
USB receiver: Burr-Brown PCM2707
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK, USB (user selectable)
Output: 1/8" TRS, optional digital out.
Power: USB-powered or wallwart
Firestone Fireye II - $99
E-MU 0202 USB - $99
Input: USB
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS
USB-powered
NuForce uDAC - ~$100
Super Pro DAC707 - $110
S/PDIF Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Opamps: Linear LT1364C (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB
Output: RCA
Trends UD-10 - $120
Input: USB
Output: TOSLINK, Coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, 1/8" headphone
Firestone Foobar II - $120
Opamp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Zero DAC 2009 - $120
S/PDIF Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Opamp: OPA2604 or OPA627
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Audio-GD Sparrow - $125-225+
Musiland Monitor 02 US - $129
Zhaolu D2.5 - $129, $195
Opamp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Hot Audio DAC Destroyer - $139
Yulong Crystal DA - $149
DAC: PCM2704
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Creative Sound Blaster Wireless System - $150
AMB γ2 (AKA Gamma2) - $150-300+
DAC: Wolfson WM8741, WM8742 or WM8740
Upsampling chip: Burr-Brown SRC4192 or Analog Devices AD1896 (optional)
Output: TOSLINK, Coaxial, RCA, 2x 1/8" stereo TRS
Pro-ject Audio USB Box - $159
Firestone FUBAR I-O - $167
iBasso D2+ Boa - $169
DAC: WM8740
Input: USB, 1/4" line in shared
Output: 1/4" headphones, 1/4" line out shared
Power: USB-powered or battery
Hot Audio BIT PERFECT - $169
Beresford TC-7510 - ~$170
Outputs: RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled out, 1/4" headphone
AD Labs RD-3 (DIY) - $170 - 210
DAC: None included or AD1865N-J
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Twisted Pear COD (DIY) - $175+
DAC: PCM1794A
Input: Builder's Choice (USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S, DSD)
Output: Builder's Choice (RCA, XLR, etc.)
Twisted Pear Opus (DIY) - $175+
Input: Builder's Choice (Coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S, DSD, USB)
Output: Builder's Choice (RCA, XLR, etc.)
Audio-GD FUN - $190-330+
AD Labs RD-2 (DIY) - $196
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Stereo-Link Model 1200 - $198
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Kingrex UD-01 - $199
E-MU 0404 USB - $199
Op-amps: JRC2068 (x2), JRC2114 (headphone output)
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS, 1/4" headphone, Coaxial, TOSLINK, MIDI
Hot Audio DAC-WOW - $199
Logitech Squeezebox Radio - $199
Output: Speaker, 1/8" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Other: Wireless streaming capabilities
Valab NOS DAC - $200
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
Moodlab The Concept - $210
DAC: Phillips TDA1543
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Firestone Foobar III - $210
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
iBasso D4 Mamba - $219
DAC: WM8740 x2
Input: USB, 1/4" line-in shared
Output: 1/4" headphone, 1/4" line-out shared
Power: USB-powered or battery
Pacific Valve Lite DAC AH - $225
Op-amp: Intersil EL2044
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
HIPPOhifi The Bloat V2.0 - $229-289
Op-amp: OPA2132 or AD823. Upgrade option: OPA2107 or AD8620
Input: USB
Output: 1/4" headphone
Zhaolu D3 w/ TG PCI card - $229
iBasso D10 Cobra - $245
DAC: WM8740
Opamp: AD8656
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, 1/4" line in shared
Output: 1/4" headphone, 1/4" line out shared
Power: Battery
Twisted Pear Buffalo II (DIY) - $250+
DAC: ESS ES9018 Sabre32
Input: Builder's Choice (Coaxial, TOSLINK, DSD, I2S, USB)
Output: Builder's Choice (RCA, XLR, etc.)
Beresford TC-7520 - $250
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets), 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Little Dot DAC-I - $259
DAC: WM8740
Opamp: LME49720/LME49710
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: LCD screen
Meier Audio Corda 3Move - $260
DAC: PCM2702
Opamp: AD8610
Input: USB, 1/4" stereo
Output: 1/4" line-out or headphone out
Power: USB-powered, battery, or wallwart
Valab TDA1543 MK-1 - $260-350
DAC: TDA1543 x8
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable or specialized external PSU
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Firestone Spitfire - $267
Yulong DAH 1 Mk2 - $269
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Beresford TC-7520SE2/Caiman+ - $270
DAC: WM8716
Opamp: LM4562NA
Input: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK x2
Output: RCA (x2 sets)
Power: Wallwart
Firestone FUBAR IV - $277
Scott Nixon ChibiDAC / USBchibi2 - $290
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Logitech Squeezebox Touch - $299
Output: RCA, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: Wallwart
Other: Remote control, Wireless streaming capabilities
Logitech Squeezebox Boom - $299
Output: Speaker, 1/8" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Other: Remote Control, Wireless streaming capabilities
Musical Fidelity V-DAC - $299
DAC: DSD1792
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Upsampling to 24/192
Hot Audio DAC STRAIGHT - $299
DAC: PCM2702E
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: USB-powered
Pacific Valve Fathom DAC - $299
DAC: Phillips TDA-1543 x8
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Xiansheng DAC 01 - $299
DAC: Cirrus Logic ?
Opamp: LF353N and 6N3/5670 tube
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, RCA (x2 sets)
Output: RCA (x2 sets), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Tube amp
AD Labs RD-2 (Assembled) - $310
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
AD Labs RD-3 (Assembled) - $320
DAC: AD1865
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Beresford TC-7520SE/Caiman - $325
DAC: WM8716
Opamp: LM4562NA
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets)
Power: Wallwart
Matrix Mini-I - $325
Opamp: OPA2134
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: LCD screen, Balanced output
Cambridge Audio DacMagic - $330-420
DAC: WM8740 x2
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK x2
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: Wallwart
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
Author's Note: Price is almost $100 USD cheaper in the UK.
Moodlab The Dice - $333
DAC: Phillips TDA1543
Input: USB, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
HeadAmp Pico Upsampling DAC - $345
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" line-out
Power: USB-powered
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
Firestone FUBAR IV Plus - $347
Headroom Micro DAC - $349
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: 1/4" stereo line-out
Power: Specialized power adapter
KECES DA-131 Mk2 - $365
DAC: PCM1793
Opamp: LME49710
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Scott Nixon USB.UFO.Jfet - $375
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Citypulse DA7.2x Mk II - $385
DAC: PCM1796
Input: RCA, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled, XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Remote control
Xindak D06 - $390
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
Hot Audio DAC-EXTASY - $399
DAC: Wolfson ?
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: USB-powered
Logitech Squeezebox Duet - $399
Output: RCA, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: Wallwart
Other: Remote control, Wireless streaming capabilities
Hot Audio Ultra-Smoothie Gold Ed. - $399
DAC: Wolfson ?
Input: Coaxial
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Musiland MD-10 - $399
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: LCD screen
DIYEDEN SVDAC05 - $399
DAC: Cirrus CS4398
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
MHDT Labs Constantine+ - $399
AC: TDA1545
Opamp: LM4562
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Devilsound DAC 2.1 "Snowflake" - $399
Core Sound HeadLine - $411
Input: RCA line in, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart and battery
Yulong D100 - $429
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone x2
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: LCD screen
K&K Audio RAKK DAC MkIII (DIY) - $459-1700+
Input: Builder's Choice (I2S, USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK)
Output: Builder's Choice (RCA, XLR, S/PDIF, 1/4" TRS, etc.)
Meier Audio Corda Cantate.2 - $470
DAC: PCM2702
Input: USB, RCA line-in
Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
RSA Emmeline The Predator - $475
Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: USB, Wallwart, and rechargeable battery.
KECES DA-152 - $475
Opamp: LME49710
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Audio-GD DAC-19 - $480-630
DAC: PCM1704UK x2
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, ACSS
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Digital Filter model $480, DSP model $630
Scott Nixon TD2.2/USBTD2.2 - $485
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK or USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Citypulse DA2.03e - $485
DAC: PCM1794
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, RCA
Output: RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled, 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Yulong 1704 DAC - $489
DAC: PCM1704
Opamp: OPA627
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Promitheus Audio Solid State DAC - $490
DAC: TDA1545A
Input: USB, Coaxial, BNC
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
HeadAmp Pico Portable DAC/Amp - $499
Input: USB, 1/4" line-in
Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: USB, battery, and wallwart
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
Apogee Duet - $499
ADC: XLR x2, 1/4" TRS x2
Output: 1/4" headphone x3
Power: Firewire-powered
Valab/Teradek Chameleon - $500
DAC: TDA1543 x16
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable (includes external PSU)
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
RDL HR-DAC1 - $532
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, AES3ID
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), terminal block
Power: 3-conductor cable
Author's Notes: See manual for terminal block wiring
MHDT Labs Paradisea 3 - $569
DAC: TDA1545
Opamp/Tube: LM4562 / GE5670
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Scott Nixon USB.UFO.TD2.2 - $575
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS), Tube amp
HeadRoom Ultra Micro DAC - $599
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: 1/4" stereo line-out
Power: Specialized power adapter
Other: Upsampling to 24/192
Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 - $599
DAC: PCM1794
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets)
Power: AC PSU, included
Other: Phase adjuster, RCA --> XLR possible
Pacific Valve Lite DAC 72 - $599
DAC: PCM1702UK
Tube: 6922/6DJ8
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Abrahamsen Audio V6.0 - $615
DAC: CS4398
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
Softone Model2 Tube DA - $650
Tube: 6922/6DJ8 x2
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Musical Fidelity M1DAC - $650
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192
Audial D-09 - $670
DAC: TDA1387
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC
Output: RCA, BNC
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Meier Audio Corda STAGEDAC - $680
DAC: WM8741 x2
Opamp: LM6171
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK
Output: RCA line-level, RCA vol. controlled
Power: 3-conductor cable
PS Audio Digital Link III - $699
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Author's Note: These are quite popularly modded.
PreSonus Central Station - $699
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, 2x 1/4" TRS pairs, RCA line-in
ADC: XLR line-in (48V Phantom Power)
Output: 2x 1/4" headphone, 3x 1/4" Vol. Controlled TRS pairs, 2x 1/4" line-out TRS pairs
Power: Specialized PSU; included
Other: 1/4" headphone outs can be used to monitor separate inputs
Pacific Valve Lite DAC 60 - $699
DAC: PCM1704UK
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Hans Audio 43122 Elite - $700
DAC: Cirrus 43122
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Audio-GD DAC 3SE - $715
Input: BNC, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Pacific Valve Lite DAC 68 - $735
DAC: AD1853
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Ack! dAck! 2.0 - $795+
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Izo iHA-1 V2SX - $810
DAC: PCM1792
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA vol. controlled, RCA line-out
Power: Wallwart or specialized PSU
Other: 24/96 over USB
Audio-GD Reference 5 - $850-1000
DAC: PCM1704UK x4
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), ACSS
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Digital Filter model $850, DSP model $1000
MHDT Labs Havana DAC - $854
DAC: PCM56P
Tube: GE5670
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Hagerman Technology Chime (DIY) - $900+
DAC: PCM1704
Tube: 12AX7, 12AU7, EY3
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Assembled versions available for $2000 here
Audio-GD Reference Nine - $920-1130
Input: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, BNC
Output: RCA (x2 set)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Digital Filter + I2S model $920, DSP model $1130
Izo iDAC-1 - $930
DAC: PCM1792
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: Wallwart or specialized PSU
Other: Upsampling to 24/96
RME Babyface - $950
ADC: MIDI and DIN breakout cables available
Output: 1/4" stereo line out, 1/4" headphone, XLR (L/R)
Power: USB-powered
Audio Zone DAC-1 - $995
Benchmark DAC1/USB/PRE/HDR - $995/$1295/$1595/$1895
DAC: AD1853
Opamp: LM4562 (USB/PRE/HDR)
Input:
DAC1: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
DAC1 USB: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, USB
DAC1 PRE/HDR: Coaxial x3, TOSLINK, USB, RCA
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), 2x 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: 24/96 over USB, HDR includes remote, Rackmountable
Author's Notes: Comparison chart here
AQVOX USB2 D/A MkII - $998
Xindak DAC-5 - $1000
DAC: AD1852
Tube/Opamp: 6922/E88CC and OPA2604
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets), XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Tube amp, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
Pacific Valve Brigatta - $1010
DAC: PCM1704UK
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: 24/96 over USB
April Audio Stello D100S Signature - $1095
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
Lavry Engineering LavryBlack DA10 - $1148
DAC: AD1955
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Xindak DAC-9 - $1150
Tube/Opamp: 6922/E88CC and OPA2604
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets), XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Altmann Attraction - $1165
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK (Optional)
Output: RCA
Power: Battery (?)
Other: 44.1 over S/PDIF. Add $400 for up to 192. Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Meier Audio Corda Symphony.2 - $1270
DAC: WM8741
Opamp: LM6171
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, RCA (x2 sets)
Output: RCA vol. controlled, 2x 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Neko Audio D100/D100 Mk2 - $1295-1395
HeadRoom Ultra Desktop DAC - $1299
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: Specialized power adapter
Audio-GD Reference Seven - $1320-1750
Input: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, BNC
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), ACSS
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Digital Filter + I2S model $1320, DSP model $1750
CEC DX-71 MkII - $1400
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, 'SuperLink'
Output: RCA Vol Controlled, XLR (L/R) Vol. Controlled, RCA line-out, XLR (L/R) line-out
Power: 3-conductor cable
Lavry Engineering LavryBlack DA11 - $1480
Output: XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Optional remote
Xindak DAC-8 - $1499
DAC: AD1852
Tube/Opamp: 6922/E88CC and OPA2604
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA (x2 sets), XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Tube amp, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
Wavelength Brick v3 - $1500+
Red Wine Audio Isabellina - $1500-2000
Output: RCA
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Bel Canto DAC 1.5 - $1520
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: Specialized power adapter
Other: RCA/XLR outputs can be either vol. controlled or line-out, 24/96 over USB
Audio-GD Reference One - $1550
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), ACSS
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: DSP-1 included
Monarchy Audio NM24 - $1590
DAC: PCM63K
Tube: 6DJ8
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, RCA
Output: RCA vol controlled (x2 sets), RCA line-out
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Tube amp, Solid State output aswell
Grace Design m902 - $1595
DAC: PCM1730
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, RCA, XLR (L/R)
Output: RCA, 2x 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Audio-GD Reference Eight - $1610
Input: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, BNC
Output: RCA (x2 sets), XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: DSP-1 included
Sakura Systems Shigaraki DAC - $1750
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable / External PSU included
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
April Audio Stello DA220 MK2 - $1995
Input: USB, TOSLINK, Coaxial x2, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Remote control, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
Logitech Transporter - $1999
DAC: AK4398
Input: WiFi, RJ-45 (Ethernet), Internet Radio, Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial, TOSLINK, BNC, AES/EBU
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Remote control, Wireless streaming capabilities
Bel Canto DAC 2.5 - $2000
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), 1/4" headphone
Power: Specialized power adapter
Other: RCA/XLR outputs can be either vol. controlled or line-out, 24/96 over USB, RJ-45 port
Bryston BDA-1 - ~$2000
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK x2, BNC x2, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192, Upsampling to 24/176.4, RS232 port
Cyrus 8 XPd - $2150
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK x2, RCA (x6 sets)
Output: RCA vol controlled (x2 sets), RCA line-out, Speaker plug (x2 sets), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192, MC-Bus in/out compatible
Cyrus DAC X - $2150
Input: Coaxial x4, TOSLINK x2
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R) (x2 sets), TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192, MC-Bus in/out compatible
Electrocompaniet ECD1 - $2250
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192
April Audio Aura Neo - $2250
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: High quality CD player, remote control, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
Audio Horizons TD-3.1 - $2250
April Audio Aura Note Premier - $2495
Input: PC-USB, MP3/Mass Storage device USB, TOSLINK, RCA line in (x2 sets), AM/FM antenna
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone, speaker output
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: High quality CD player, remote control, alarm clock, CD to USB mass storage ripping, Mass Storage device management system, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
North Star Design Model 192 MkII - $2500
North Star Design USB dac32 - $2500
Ayre QB-9 - $2500
DAC: DSD1796
Input: USB
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: 2x RJ-11 ports, 24/96 over USB
Red Wine Audio Isabellina HPA - $2500
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Cyrus 8 XPd QX - $2720
Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK x2, RCA (x6 sets)
Output: RCA vol controlled (x2 sets), RCA line-out, Speaker plug (x2 sets), 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192, MC-Bus in/out compatible
April Audio Stello CDA500 - $2995
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: High quality CD player, remote control, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
PS Audio PerfectWave DAC - $2999
Sakura Systems Progression DAC - $3000
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable / External PSU included
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)
Bel Canto DAC 3VB - $3100
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: RCA/XLR outputs can be either vol. controlled or line-out
April Audio Stello Ai500 - $3495
Input: PC-USB, MP3/Mass Storage device USB, TOSLINK, RCA line in (x4 sets), XLR (L/R)
Output: RCA, speaker output
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Remote control, Upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192
North Star Design Extremo - $3500
Wavelength Cosecant v3 - $3500+
Cyrus DAC XP+ - $3600
Output: RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled (x2 sets), XLR (L/R) (x2 sets), TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192, MC-Bus in/out compatible
Bel Canto DAC 3.5VB - $4950
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: Specialized power adapter
Other: RCA/XLR outputs can be either vol. controlled or line-out, RJ45 port
Red Wine Audio Isabella + DAC - $5500-6000
Tube: 6922/E88CC x2
Input: USB, BNC, TOSLINK, RCA (x3 sets)
Output: RCA (x2 sets), 1/4" headphone (Optional, +$500)
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS), Tube amp
Author's Note: This unit is also sold as purely a pre-amp or headphone amp
April Audio EX IMUS CD10 - $5995
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Super high quality CD player, remote control, Upsampling to 24/96
Wavelength Crimson - $7500+
Lavry Engineering LavryGold DA-924 - $8500
DAC: PCM ?
Input: AES/EBU x2, Coaxial or BNC (?)
Output: XLR (L/R), RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable
April Audio EX IMUS CD5 - $8995
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK x2
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Super high quality CD player, remote control, Upsampling to 24/96
Edited by Hybrys - 5/31/10 at 12:07pm
