New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

DAC-O-RAMA

post #1 of 7
8/21/10 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 

Yep, you guessed it,  another one of those ubiquitous/annoying “What should I buy?” posts.

 

I’m once again contemplating a new system. I thought I’d start with the source and DAC. The source will most likely be a Squeezebox Touch (probably Bolder modded) or maybe the new Cambridge NP30 to replace my old SB3. As for the DAC – there are so many to choose from that I can’t make up my mind.

 

I’ve owned a few DACs in the past – Paradisea, Beresford… The two best DACs I’ve heard so far have been a DCS and the new PCM1704 based Naim DAC. Unfortunately I don’t have >4K to spend on a DAC.

 

I had originally thought of upgrading my current CS4398 based DIY DAC with Jensen JT-11P-1 passive output to maybe a PCM1798 chip(which I already have)  or  the better PCM 1794 chip but that would require new output trafos(Lundahl) which would set me back about another $250.

 

So I’ve narrowed my other choices down to the following list of “usual suspects”. Of course I’d like to spend as little as possible but without sacrificing  SQ.

USB is not a factor as it will be connected by BNC only.

 

I want a transparent sound but I like a piano to sound like a piano and don’t want my ears to bleed when listening to classical violin.

Your educated opinions please...

 

Matrix Mini-I USD $319 (AD)

Audio -GD DAC-19 DF    $480(TI)

Audio -GD DAC-19 DSP    $640(TI)

Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC $750 (ESS) (possibility of Bolder Cable mods + $500-$1750)

Audio -GD Reference 5 DF   $850 (TI)

Audio –GD NFB-1 $850 (ESS)

Audio -GD Reference 5 DSP   $1010 (TI)

W4S DAC2 $1500 (ESS)

Reply
post #2 of 7
8/22/10 at 5:22am

I am planning on the W4S DAC2 myself.  I have the DL3 mk 4 in another system.  I also use the W4S STP preamp in my main system.  I have experienced, and to really appreciate the W4S "house sound", and am looking forward to swapping out my Lavry Black DA10 for the DAC2.  I have read about the others, but not listened.

 

I am chosing the W4S for the fact that I know about the sound, and can get service here in the states.  If I was any bolder with spending money I would get one of the Wavelength units.

 

Luck with your choice.

Reply
post #3 of 7
8/22/10 at 11:13am

Audio –GD NFB-1 is 10% cheaper right now, its on presale....

 

The other question is do you have a balanced amp? Are you wanting to go balanced in the future?


Edited by muad - 8/22/10 at 11:15am
Reply
post #4 of 7
8/22/10 at 11:18am

Sabre Dac for 850 (Audio-GD), that you know will be well implemented.  Saves you $650.00 fromt he W4S dac and probably matches it.  Then you can use that $650.00 for something else.  

Reply
post #5 of 7
8/22/10 at 2:25pm
Thread Starter 

For now I'm not using a balanced amp but that could change someday.

 

I think my biggest dilemma is choosing which chip to go with. I'm familiar with the PCM1704, which I liked in the Naim DAC, but have never had a chance to listen to an ESS based DAC.

The W4S DAC2 got a rave review from Six Moons. They also mention the Eastern Electric which seems to hold its own even in its unmodded($750) version. Add an extra $750 for mods and your up to the W4S $1500 price range.

The NFB-1 could potentially be a bargain at $750-850 but is it better than GDs proven PCM1704 offerings in the same price range? 

 

eeni meeni mini mo...

 

 

 

 

Reply
post #6 of 7
8/22/10 at 3:06pm

I think you don't really have a clear cut choice yet. Wait and see what the first reviews say about the nfb-1. One of the guys pre-ordered to compare it to his reference 5....

Reply
post #7 of 7
8/27/10 at 6:02pm

I currently have a DLIII with Cullen 4 mods with a Squeezebox Touch playing FLAC.  I really like the sound.  I've had a W4S DAC2 on order for about 2 months that hopefully will be here soon.  I have kind of a special use case where I need 2 sets of balanced outs (1st set to send to my Woo WA22 and a 2nd set to send to my balanced powered Klein + Hummel monitors - with the DAC2 acting as DAC and PreAmp).  Rick is modifying the stock DAC2 to allow this configuration.  Because of the mods it is taking some time to engineer, etc.  Will post back to head-fi once I get everything and have had some time to listen.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Dedicated Source Components