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Sub $300 DAC reccomendations for me

post #1 of 10
3/9/11 at 12:54pm
Thread Starter 

My current setup: X-Fi --> Line out --> Little Dot 1+ --> Grado 325si I am loving the sound, but I want to take that X-fi out of the loop and rock an external DAC. I would really like a unit that would take optical in (I do not want to use USB, there is no reason to), and does not have an inbuilt amp (again, no need). I would like it to do 24 bit and 96khz at least. So what are my options?

 

I know there is the little dot DAC_1, but I cannot find any reviews other than the small forum post on it.

 

If you absolutely positively must I can go a little high in the budget but I'd rather not at this time.


Edited by Fantasysage - 3/9/11 at 12:56pm
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post #2 of 10
3/9/11 at 1:40pm

Check out this guy.  I have its earlier model. Very nice sounding with USB, coax and optical inputs: http://cryo-parts.com/index.php/pop-pulse/1796-mkii-dac . I think it was a deal.

 

Some commentary on the first version:

 http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/436043/new-pop-pulse-1796-dac-usb-input

 

- Ed

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post #3 of 10
3/9/11 at 2:01pm
Thread Starter 

That is pretty much exactly what I am looking for. I will look into it, thanks!


 

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post #4 of 10
3/9/11 at 7:48pm
I'm in the same boat as OP. I'm looking for a ~$300 DAC with digital coaxial input and analog RCA output. That Pop Pulse DAC mentioned looks promising, but I can't find too much other feedback on it. Are there any other well-regarded units available?
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post #5 of 10
3/9/11 at 8:26pm

I would honestly just buy a Zero DAC/amp for around $100 and save up for a real upgrade.. all these cheap DACs use op-amps and when matched will sound practically identical to one another.

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post #6 of 10
3/9/11 at 8:42pm

Hi,

 

Try "Matrix Cube" from Coolfungadget from Ebay, I bought one unit it can up sample to 24bits and 192kbit/s. It sounds very good well worth the money, $300.

If you want to get better sound  then you have to increase your budget to like $400 from "Yulong 100 " or $800 from " Eastern Electric Minimax" both are very good sounding DAC for a price.

 

So a search you will find a detailed reviews of these units.

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post #7 of 10
3/9/11 at 9:07pm

if you could stretch your budget to 365, you should contact misterx for a gamma2. ive heard a lot of good thigns about it. but it is a DIY that he does so it depends if that matters for u.

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post #8 of 10
3/10/11 at 3:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Graphicism View Post

I would honestly just buy a Zero DAC/amp for around $100 and save up for a real upgrade.. all these cheap DACs use op-amps and when matched will sound practically identical to one another.



I already have a LD1+ no need for an amp.

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post #9 of 10
3/10/11 at 7:07am
Thread Starter 

Looking at the Valab NOS on that they sell on ebay for 320. Looks mighty nice, just not too many impressions.


 

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post #10 of 10
3/10/11 at 7:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fantasysage View Post

I already have a LD1+ no need for an amp.

 

I used a Darkvoice 336i with the Zero, nothing wrong with that. I still use the Zero when I don't want to power the tube up for casual use such as movies and games. The Yulong D100 suggested above is the Zero with a fancy new body and LED screen. As I say all alternatives at this price will sound the same, you're shopping for this looks at this point.

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