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DAC under 400$ (can be DIY)

post #1 of 15
9/23/11 at 3:19pm
Thread Starter 

Hi all,

 

I currently have:

- an E-MU 0404 USB

- an AMB M3 heaphone amp

- a Sennheiser HD650

 

For various reasons, I would like to get a new DAC to replace the E-MU.

The only constraint is: under 400$ (but I'd like it to be under 200$). It can be DIY and I don't care about having an amp included with the DAC.

 

Cheers

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post #2 of 15
9/24/11 at 2:33am

Cambridge_DacMagic1.jpg

 

DacMagic Plus

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post #3 of 15
9/24/11 at 9:23am
<400$? Really?

Where did you find the price of the DM+ ?
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post #4 of 15
9/24/11 at 1:36pm
Thread Starter 

It's said to be 750$.

 

Any other suggestion?

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post #5 of 15
9/24/11 at 3:45pm

CEntrance DacPort looks cool coming in at 400. You could also try the headfi forums, usually some really good DAC's are there discounted. 

 

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post #6 of 15
9/24/11 at 5:42pm

NFB-3.1

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post #7 of 15
9/24/11 at 11:10pm

The newest HRT II+ just got reviewed in 6moons as well:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hrt4/1.html

And the 6moons review of the Pro:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/hrt2/pro.html
 

I have never tried the HRTs but they sound pretty good from the reviews

 

I am currently using a Twisted Pear Dual Mono Opus DAC which I got for $475 a few years ago but it should be cheaper now. I have seen people selling completed Buffalo Sabre DACs but more expensive.

 

I think it comes down to what sound signature you're looking for at your price point.

 

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post #8 of 15
9/25/11 at 4:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lag0a View Post

I think it comes down to what sound signature you're looking for at your price point.

 


 

I want a DAC without a signature. I want it to convert a digital signal to an analog one without adding any effect.

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post #9 of 15
9/25/11 at 5:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dynobot View Post

Cambridge_DacMagic1.jpg

 

DacMagic Plus


When I saw the title of this thread I said I will recommend the DacMagic because I also had the 0404USb and then upgraded to Dm and it was a huge difference. When did this come out?

 

Based on what are you recommending it Dynobot? I haven't found any information regarding its specs or any other input.


Edited by .Sup - 9/25/11 at 5:12am
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post #10 of 15
9/25/11 at 5:16am
Thread Starter 

The DacMagic Plus is not yet released.

 

 

I have the feeling that a DIY project can be cheaper (or better quality for the same price). Do you have any recommendation for a DIY DAC?

 

Thanks

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post #11 of 15
9/25/11 at 5:17am

 

I have my eye on picking up a Fostex HP-A3 or the Valab NOS DAC very soon... what do you guys think of those? comments?

 

 

 

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post #12 of 15
9/25/11 at 5:26am

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by mgmz View Post

The DacMagic Plus is not yet released.

 

I have the feeling that a DIY project can be cheaper (or better quality for the same price). Do you have any recommendation for a DIY DAC?

 

Thanks

 

I have very simlar feelings to you, there are some excellent high-end DAC chips out there... where are the projects? So far my inquiries are mostly just met with sarcasm, like "if you want to save money, DIY is the wrong idea" from that twisted cables guy in the objective2 thread.

 

Check out the links I provided in the post above, and also if you do find any nice DIY DAC projects that aren't always out of stock, cost $700, and don't come with sarcasm, please let me know!

 

 

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post #13 of 15
9/27/11 at 12:24pm

I have used the E-Mu 0404 PCI and 1212m in the past and heard the old DacMagic.  My vote would be for one of Ross Martin's dacs in your price range of preferably $200 and less than $400.  I am really happy with mine and have reviewed it under dedicated source threads.   Good luck with whatever you choose.

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post #14 of 15
9/27/11 at 12:30pm

γ2

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post #15 of 15
9/27/11 at 9:11pm

I second the Gamma2 from AMB (DIY).  Its like... $250ish in parts.

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