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Best DAC for ~150$

post #1 of 13
Thread Starter 

Hi,
I want to buy a best dac in 130-170$ price range. I don't need an optical or coaxial input because I want to use to pc.
I prefer such dacs that has got usable headphone out.
Thanks.

post #2 of 13

I think the sparrow is your best bet or DIY.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/Sparrow/SparrowEN.htm

post #3 of 13

The sparrow sure looks like a great buy. I was going to suggest a DAC Wow as I bought one a few weeks ago and I am totally happy with it but I see the Sparrow uses the Wolfson DAC also (8741 vs the 8745 in the Dac WOw) and I am really quite partial to the sound from the Wolfson vs the burr brown ones. With the Spaarrow you get a HP amp too which you do not get with the Dac Wow which is a bonus and I have listened to my buddy's Compass a few times and a Phoenix at a couple of meets and I am a fan on the Audio GD equipment so I would give a vote to the Sparrow as well.

post #4 of 13
Thread Starter 
post #5 of 13

I do not know anything about the Keces nor do I know anyone that has one so I cannot comment, but here is a link to a review on Audiogon of the unit:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rdgtl&1235296775

post #6 of 13

This is what you want.

 

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15186&nav=technicalSpecifications

 

Other similar products from M-Audio, ESi and Fucusrite ought to be on your short list as well. Look them up with the GoogleMachine.

 

post #7 of 13

How about the Audinst MX-1?

post #8 of 13
post #9 of 13

i cant beliieve noboddy mentioned the new udac 2 , 

post #10 of 13
Thread Starter 

Thanks the wrinkles but again I can't choose in so many great dac.
Probable I'll buy the sparrow or the musiland 02.

post #11 of 13

Can anyone comment on how the Sparrow's analog outputs would stack up against those of the Logitech Transporter (using Transporter as digital output)?

 

And how competently could the Sparrow's headphone output drive AKG K701?


Edited by mshan - 8/29/10 at 6:27am
post #12 of 13

Keep in mind, the Sparrow is DAC/Amp combo, the Musiland is a DAC only.

post #13 of 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by violinvirtuoso View Post

Keep in mind, the Sparrow is DAC/Amp combo, the Musiland is a DAC only.


The Musiland 02 does have an HP Amp if I'm not mistaking. I don't think it has amping for the other outs though.

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