All The DACs Money Can Buy, Pt. 3

Hybrys · May 28, 2010 at 1:05 AM

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+

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered

Alien DAC (DIY) - $30-52+

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702E
Input: USB
Output: builder's choice
USB-powered

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 - $59

Input: USB
Opamp: TDA1308
ADC: 1/8" Line-in, 1/8" Mic-In
Output: RCA, 2x 1/8" (Cen/Rear), TOSLINK

Musiland Monitor 01 US - $80

Input: USB
Outputs: TOSLINK, RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: USB-powered
Other: 24/96 over USB

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

DAC: Wolfson WM8501 (or WM8759)
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

Input: USB
Output: 1/8" headphone, mini-TOSLINK in the 1/8" headphone
Power: USB-powered or wallwart

E-MU 0202 USB - $99

DAC: Cirrus CS4392
Input: USB
ADC: 1/8" line-in, 2x TRS line-in, XLR line-in
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS
USB-powered

NuForce uDAC - ~$100

Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone, Coaxial
USB-powered

Super Pro DAC707 - $110

DAC: Cirrus CS4398
USB Reciever: CM-108
S/PDIF Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
Opamps: Linear LT1364C (x2)
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: RJ-45 in/out (?)

Trends UD-10 - $120

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2704
Input: USB
Output: TOSLINK, Coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, 1/8" headphone
Power: Wallwart/Battery

Firestone Foobar II - $120

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Opamp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart

Zero DAC 2009 - $120

DAC: Analog Devices AD1852
S/PDIF Receiver: Cirrus CS8416
USB Receiver: PCM2704
Opamp: OPA2604 or OPA627
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable

Audio-GD Sparrow - $125-225+

DAC: AD1852 or WM8740
S/PDIF Receiver: DIR9001 or DIR8416
Inputs: TOSLINK, Coaxial, USB or BNC
Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Two varieties are available. Ver A has high quality connectors, while the Basic uses more value level parts.

Musiland Monitor 02 US - $129

Input: USB
Output: Coaxial, TOSLINK, RCA, 2x 1/4" headphone (Low Gain/Med. Gain)
Power: Cable attached
Other: 24/96 over USB

Zhaolu D2.5 - $129, $195

DAC: Analog Devices AD1852 ($129), Cirrus CS4398 ($195)
Opamp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Inputs: Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone

Hot Audio DAC Destroyer - $139

Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone

Yulong Crystal DA - $149

DAC: PCM2704
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart

Creative Sound Blaster Wireless System - $150

Input: USB
ADC: 1/8" Mic-in, 1/8" Line-in
Output: 1/8" headphone
Power: Broadcaster: USB-powered. Receiver: wallwart.
Others: 2.4ghz RF, broadcaster compatible with other products

AMB γ2 (AKA Gamma2) - $150-300+

Upgrade for AMB γ1
DAC: Wolfson WM8741, WM8742 or WM8740
Upsampling chip: Burr-Brown SRC4192 or Analog Devices AD1896 (optional)
Inputs: USB, TOSLINK, Coaxial
Output: TOSLINK, Coaxial, RCA, 2x 1/8" stereo TRS
Power: Wallwart

Pro-ject Audio USB Box - $159

Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: USB-powered

Firestone FUBAR I-O - $167

Opamp: LM4562
Input: USB
ADC: RCA line-in
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart

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

Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: USB-powered

Beresford TC-7510 - ~$170

Inputs: Coaxial (x2), Optical (x2)
Outputs: RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled out, 1/4" headphone
Power: External PSU; included

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+

DAC: Wolfson WM8741 (x1) or WM8740 (x2)
Input: Builder's Choice (Coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S, DSD, USB)
Output: Builder's Choice (RCA, XLR, etc.)

Audio-GD FUN - $190-330+

DAC: AD1852 or WM8740 S/PDIF Receiver: DIR9001 or DIR8416
Inputs: TOSLINK, Coaxial, RCA, USB or BNC
Output: 1/4" headphone, RCA line-out, RCA vol. controlled,
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Two varieties are available. Ver A has high quality connectors and a choice between USB and BNC, while the Basic uses more value level parts and BNC only.

AD Labs RD-2 (DIY) - $196

DAC: PCM1796
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Other: Upsampling to 24/192

Stereo-Link Model 1200 - $198

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM270x
Input: USB
Output: RCA

Kingrex UD-01 - $199

DAC: Burr-Brown PCB2702E
Opamp: Burr-Brown OPA2604
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart

E-MU 0404 USB - $199

DAC: AKM AK4396
Op-amps: JRC2068 (x2), JRC2114 (headphone output)
ADC: 2x XLR, 2x 1/4" TRS, MIDI
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Outputs: 1/4" balanced TRS, 1/8" TRS, 1/4" headphone, Coaxial, TOSLINK, MIDI
Power: Wallwart
Other: 48v Phantom Power for XLR

Hot Audio DAC-WOW - $199

Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: USB-powered

Logitech Squeezebox Radio - $199

Input: WiFi, RJ-45 (Ethernet), Internet Radio, 1/8" line-in
Output: Speaker, 1/8" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Other: Wireless streaming capabilities

Valab NOS DAC - $200

DAC: Philips TDA1543 (x8)
Digital receiver: Texas Instruments DIR9001
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, Optical
Output: RCA
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

Moodlab The Concept - $210

DAC: Phillips TDA1543
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

Firestone Foobar III - $210

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM2702
Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart

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

DAC: Philips TDA1543 x8
Op-amp: Intersil EL2044
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

HIPPOhifi The Bloat V2.0 - $229-289

DAC: Burr-Brown PCM1798 or upgrade option PCM1794
Op-amp: OPA2132 or AD823. Upgrade option: OPA2107 or AD8620
Input: USB
Output: 1/4" headphone

Zhaolu D3 w/ TG PCI card - $229

DAC: CS-4398
Opamp: OPA627
Input: TOSLINK, Coaxial (x2)
Output: RCA
Included: SndScape Cinema PCI sound card
Other: RJ-45 "TG-LINK" input for linking with included PCI card

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

DAC: PCM1793
Opamp: LM4562MA
Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart

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

DAC: PCM1754
Opamp: OPA2604
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Other: Two gain settings

Scott Nixon ChibiDAC / USBchibi2 - $290

Input: Coaxial or USB
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

Logitech Squeezebox Touch - $299

Input: WiFi, RJ-45 (Ethernet), Internet Radio, USB-Host (USB stick/drive)
Output: RCA, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: Wallwart
Other: Remote control, Wireless streaming capabilities

Logitech Squeezebox Boom - $299

Input: WiFi, RJ-45 (Ethernet), Internet Radio, 1/8" line in
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

DAC: PCM1796
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA
Power: Wallwart
Other: Upsampling to 24/96

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

DAC: WM8740 Input: USB
Output: RCA, 1/4" line-out
Power: USB-powered
Other: Upsampling to 24/96

Firestone FUBAR IV Plus - $347

DAC: CS4344
Opamp: OPA2604
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, 1/4" headphone
Power: Wallwart
Other: Two gain settings, upsampling to 192khz

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

AC: CS4396 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

Input: WiFi, RJ-45 (Ethernet), Internet Radio
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

DAC: AD1851
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: USB-powered
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

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+

DAC: PCM1794 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

Input: USB, 1/4" line-in Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: USB, Wallwart, and rechargeable battery.

KECES DA-152 - $475

DAC: PCM2702
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

DAC: WM8740 Input: USB, 1/4" line-in
Output: 1/4" headphone
Power: USB, battery, and wallwart
Other: Upsampling to 24/96

Apogee Duet - $499

Input: Firewire
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

DAC: TDA1543 x16 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

DAC: Cirrus CS4398
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

DAC: PCM1716 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

DAC: PCM1798DB 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

DAC: PCM1704UK x4
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+

Input: BNC, Coaxial
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

DAC: PCM1704UK x4
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

Input: USB, TOSLINK, XLR (Line/48v Mic)
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

DAC: TDA1541
Input: BNC, RCA (Optional)
Output: RCA
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

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

DAC: PCM1794 x2
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192

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

DAC: CS4398
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

DAC: PCM1794A x2
Inputs: Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable

HeadRoom Ultra Desktop DAC - $1299

DAC: ESS ES9008 Sabre32
Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: Specialized power adapter

Audio-GD Reference Seven - $1320-1750

DAC: PCM1704UK x8
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

DAC: SM5865CM x2
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

Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
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+

DAC: TDA1543N2
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS), 24/96 over USB

Red Wine Audio Isabellina - $1500-2000

Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, USB (Optional, +$500)
Output: RCA
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

Bel Canto DAC 1.5 - $1520

Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
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

DAC: PCM1704UK x8
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

DAC: PCM1704UK x8
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

Input: Coaxial
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

Input: USB, Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, RCA
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

DAC: CS4398 x2
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

Input: Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R), Coaxial, TOSLINK
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192

April Audio Aura Neo - $2250

DAC: CS4398
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

Tube: 6922 x4
Input: Coaxial, AES/EBU
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Tube amp

April Audio Aura Note Premier - $2495

DAC: CS4398
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

DAC: PCM1796 x2
Inputs: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, RJ45 (I2S)
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable

North Star Design USB dac32 - $2500

DAC: PCM1795
Inputs: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, RJ45 (I2S)
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: 32/192 over USB, Upsampling to 32/192

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

Input: USB, BNC, TOSLINK
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

Input: USB, Coaxial, TOSLINK 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

DAC: WM8741
Input: USB, HDMI x2, Coaxial, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, Networked Media
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: DLNA media server, color touchscreen, advanced/customizable interface

Sakura Systems Progression DAC - $3000

Input: Coaxial
Output: RCA
Power: 3-conductor cable / External PSU included
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS)

Bel Canto DAC 3VB - $3100

Input: USB, Coaxial/BNC x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU
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

DAC: PCM1792DB x2
Input: Coaxial x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, RJ45 (I2S)
Output: RCA, XLR (L/R)
Power: 3-conductor cable
Other: Upsampling to 24/192

Wavelength Cosecant v3 - $3500+

DAC: TDA1543N2
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS), Upgradable DAC

Cyrus DAC XP+ - $3600

Input: Coaxial x4, TOSLINK x2, RCA (x2 sets)
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

Input: Coaxial/BNC x2, TOSLINK, AES/EBU, ST Link, RCA
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

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

Wavelength Crimson - $7500+

DAC: TDA1543N2
Input: USB
Output: RCA
Power: Battery
Other: Non-oversampling (AKA NOS), Upgradable DAC

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

DAC: PCM1704 x4
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

Hybrys · May 28, 2010 at 1:05 AM

SAVE ZEH SECOND SPOT

So far the MDHT Labs components have REALLY blown me away with their looks. I'd grab the Havana right now, if I had the cash.

Hybrys · May 28, 2010 at 5:54 PM

Over 130 in one sitting. Can I sleep yet? >_>

estreeter · Nov 9, 2011 at 12:10 AM

Guys, this really cries out for a relational database.

I'm thinking: quick-and-dirty PHP front-end, dropdowns for pricerange/interface/bitrate requirements, sort by brand/price/release date etc. Admin backend to allow you to add new gear as required - man, we could rule the WORLD with something like that !

Currawong · Nov 9, 2011 at 12:32 AM

Honestly, this is what the Head Gear section is for.

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