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Highish end for stax?

post #1 of 5
12/20/10 at 11:58pm
Thread Starter 

I'm looking to budget out for a higher end dac (say ~$1-1.5k) over the next few months. I will be working with a Lambda Signature and an SRM-T1 which is currently in the post. Ideally I want a dry, analytical box with a flat response rather than something syrupy. As I understand it, older hi-fi dacs go for much cheaper than their new retail (say a 1995 dac). How do these compare to dacs today? Is a buffalo24 basically where it's at this price point?

 

Has anyone heard Wyred4Sound's dacs?

 

For inputs I'd prefer at least either one of optical or USB. Both would be swell, but not essential.

 

Although out of my budget, I like the looks of the Perfect Wave Dac and the Ayre QB-9. Any thoughts on how these perform relative to options that fulfill the above criteria?


Edited by MrGreen - 12/21/10 at 12:00am
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post #2 of 5
12/21/10 at 1:06am

IMO if you're looking for a dry analytical sound, most of the older stuff is not what you want. About the closest thing you're looking for that I can think of would be the Benchmark dac. I have not heard the PWD or Ayre so I can't comment on those.

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post #3 of 5
12/21/10 at 1:13am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by computerparts View Post

IMO if you're looking for a dry analytical sound, most of the older stuff is not what you want. About the closest thing you're looking for that I can think of would be the Benchmark dac. I have not heard the PWD or Ayre so I can't comment on those.



I was looking at the benchmark not too long ago, but as I no longer have a dynamic setup I feel the amp section would be a waste.

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post #4 of 5
12/21/10 at 7:05pm

Perhaps the Lavry DA10 then? Ayre seems to have a reputation for dry sound also but I have not heard their dac, only some of their disc players. On the other hand, a used Levinson 36 should work for you if you can find one.


Edited by computerparts - 12/21/10 at 7:07pm
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post #5 of 5
12/22/10 at 8:57am

I'm running a W4S DAC2 into my 323S/SR-507 combination and am VERY happy with the sound.  I have a DAC1 in my main system, so I obviously like the W4S products.   I think they are high-end sound at a mid-fi price.

 

 

 

 

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