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Confused trying to make a decision on a DAC

post #1 of 8
7/13/11 at 1:13pm
Thread Starter 

Hello!

I just recently got my eagerly awaited WA6-SE and am now looking for a good DAC to use with it and my Grado 225 , and probably a future LCD-2.

 

This is what I'm considering now, all available here in Sweden (if I order outside of Sweden, I would need to add 30% tax):

 

DACmagic ($460 new, $262 used)
V-DAC ($470 new)
Benchmark DAC1 USB ($2300 new,  $1000 used).

This is how I'm thinking:
I could go for a used DACmagic, which would be cheap compared to the to the other options. I don't like the idea of up-sampling though, and not being able to turn it off.  Maybe they all up-sample.. , but I can bypass it on the DAC1, right?

 

From what I've read I like the V-DAC more. But then I would have to get a new one.  which in a way is simpler.. hmm..

 

would the DACmagic or V-DAC be enough?

 

I could go for the Benchmark. but almost every post I've read about the Benchmark says It's too bright, flat, lifeless. $1000 is a really good deal here in Sweden though, and I don't think I have much time before it's gone.

 

I will use it for FLAC files, I listen all types of music, mostly electronic and rock. And I know I should try to find a way to hear them myself.

i have read a few topics close to this one, but I'm still a bit lost..

 

I'm thankful for any input.

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post #2 of 8
7/13/11 at 1:48pm

The WA6-SE is a nice amp and deserves a good DAC, however... tubes tend to mask the details a bit and add their own sound signature so you don't need the absolute best DAC out there. And I don't like the Benchmark too much either.

 

My recommendation would be the Hegel HD10, it's the predecessor to the Hegel HD20 (one of the best DACs at any price IMHO) and has 90% of its sound. You can buy a second hand one for about 5000 SEK these days.

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post #3 of 8
7/15/11 at 1:31pm
Thread Starter 

I think I have decided I want something better then the DACmagic / V-DAC.
wouldn't the bright dac1 make a good combo with a tube amp?
haven't heard much about the Hegel besides one or two reviews linked from their homepage..

 

would appreciate some more input, anyone?

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post #4 of 8
7/15/11 at 2:05pm

I'm gonna toss in the Metrum Acoutics Duo(231e), Qaud(290e) and octave(745-795e) NOS dacs. I havent heard them but reviews seem good, maybe worth considering. These are made in holland so shipping isnt a lot to sweden.

The dacmagic is very nice at its pricepoint. I've got it for a bout 2 years now, never regretted it.

There are also a few cheap ones(60 bucks) that are reputed to be a mile better than the dacmagic. Just ordered one to check it out. Although for serious use its recommended to get a half decent psu to keep it form frying itself. You might wanna check the thread about the TD1543 x4 NOS dac.

Anedio D1 might be worth consideration. Good reviews.

 

The Metrum and cheap TDA1543 dacs are NOS but they are also non-usb though, But then you can always use a spdif convertor.

 


Edited by Stitch - 7/15/11 at 2:25pm
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post #5 of 8
7/15/11 at 2:26pm

I'm pretty sure all do ASRC -- upsampling to reduce jitter.  Performance wise they're all in the same ballpark surprisingly (at least, if we're talking measured performance as done by Stereophile).  I think the Dac Magic is the way to go, it's affordable and has plenty of flexibility.  Balanced outs, two standard inputs, USB, and pass-through options for the standard inputs (for DTS/Dolby material the DAC can't handle it can pass to your A/V, etc).

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post #6 of 8
7/15/11 at 2:27pm

The EE Minimax DAC (with upgraded tube and opamps) and Wyred4Sound DAC1 are also in that price range.   i own the EE and had the W4S.  to my ears, i think i liked the W4S better.  When i can get some money together im thinking of getting the W4S DAC2 ($1499). 

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post #7 of 8
7/15/11 at 2:35pm

Violectric V800. Little under 1k euro's at Thomann. Again, no experience.

 

Maybe this thread is of some help; http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/562584/eu-made-dacs

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post #8 of 8
7/15/11 at 4:23pm

I might not have too much experience but I have been looking for a DAC like this as well. My best bet and opinion would be the DACMagic. Greate value and saves some money for a LCD-2.

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