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~$700-800 DAC... VDA•2/VAC•1 or something else?

post #1 of 17
3/24/11 at 5:22pm
Thread Starter 

I'm looking to replace my Keces finally and would like some advice.

 

I've been interested in a VDA•2 w/ VAC•1 now for ages, but I'm also hearing some nice things about the NFB-1 from Audio-GD for example. Any ideas on which might be better? Or does anyone have some other suggestion?

 

I'd rather not spend more than about $800, but might be able to stretch that a bit.


Edited by th0m - 3/24/11 at 7:48pm
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post #2 of 17
3/25/11 at 2:33pm
Thread Starter 

No one? Any input would be appreciated.

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post #3 of 17
3/25/11 at 3:08pm

I don't have any eprience with tany of the Audio-gd stuff but I did a brief a/b comparison of the VDA-2 and Stello DA100 on the HP100 amp, and i had the D5000 right before i aquired the VDA-2. I think you'll love the VDA-2 with the rest of your system, It's has a neutral and spacious presentation, the bass was leaner than DA100's but tighter and more refined to my ears, and the treble had better extention and clarity. It should be a good match to the HP100 and D5000 warm charcter. I now run it balanced with the optional VRX-1 cable and my O2's and i'm perfectly happy with the result.


Edited by Amarphael - 3/25/11 at 3:09pm
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post #4 of 17
3/25/11 at 4:04pm
Thread Starter 

Great, thanks. Just the answer I was hoping for.

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post #5 of 17
3/26/11 at 5:46pm

I like my VDA-2/VAC-1, though I have never compared it to anything except cheap DACs.  When I bought mine, my search of past threads suggested that the VDA-2 was equal to or better than the Benchmark, and similar to the PS Digital Link III.

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post #6 of 17
3/26/11 at 6:19pm
Thread Starter 

Yeah, I made up my mind and unless something unexpected happens, I'm getting the VDA-2/VAC-1 combo. Too bad they're out of stock at CI at the moment, but apparently they sold out the last run in no time.

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post #7 of 17
3/27/11 at 10:35pm

PS Audio Digital Link III is exactly $800, doubt you can find better within that price range. I'd also recommend staying away from DACs that change your music; such as the bass is more pronounced, works better with warmer/colder sounding cans and so on.

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post #8 of 17
3/28/11 at 5:25am
Thread Starter 

I'm not a huge fan of upsampling, plus I doubt there's such a thing as completely neutral sound equipment and it's more or less always a question of compromise. From what I've read, the VAC-2 is somewhat light and punchy while the DLIII is more on the warm side. Considering my amp, cans and also my speakers (Dynaudio), I believe the VAC-2 should be a better match.

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post #9 of 17
3/29/11 at 11:16pm

CI Audio stuff is really good :) I have heard good things about the VDA-2 i dont think you could go wrong! I used to own the VHP-2/VAC-1 combo, great little amp!

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post #10 of 17
3/30/11 at 12:44am

I'm rather happy with my Rega DAC.

Before that I had a Meier Stagadac, MHDT Havana and a Audio-GD REF5 and I absolutely prefer the Rega above any of them.

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post #11 of 17
3/30/11 at 3:58pm
Thread Starter 

The Rega looks nice and all, but having all those filters to play with seem... confusing. I'd rather have the manufacturer choose which filter, if any, they want me to use wink.gif

 

Even having two different filters in my Stello amp bugs me a little.

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post #12 of 17
3/31/11 at 6:42am

I am getting my PS Audio Digital Link III tonight. I will let you know how it sounds. Cost me $800 on the nose.


 

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post #13 of 17
4/1/11 at 4:13pm

If you're open to picking up one used, it'll open up your options and you'll save money. There are several PS Audio DLIII on audiogon for $450-550. Also, you wouldn't lose any if much money if you bought it used and didn't like it and resold it.

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post #14 of 17
4/1/11 at 7:28pm
Thread Starter 

I ended up ignoring everyones advice and placed an order on a whim for what seems to be a somewhat unknown DAC, at least here. An Atoll Electronique DAC 100.

 

I started a separate thread about it, but anyway it cost about $800 and looks nice on paper at least: http://www.atoll-electronique.com/uk/convertisseur-dac.php

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post #15 of 17
4/1/11 at 7:44pm

What made you order it, did you read a review or something? Specs do look pretty decent however it is very light weight at only 2kg, that might not mean much today but it used to be an indication of how good a piece a of equipment was.

 

I see you're selling your Keces, I would keep it until you've had a chance to compare it directly with your new DAC.

 

Edit > Nevermind my Q, I read your thread.


Edited by Graphicism - 4/1/11 at 8:00pm
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