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Looking for a new dac ($400-$600)

post #1 of 8
10/13/11 at 5:13am
Thread Starter 

I've been having trouble finding a standalone dac. I've been looking at the dacport lx, music streamer II+, dacmagic, and stello da100. The musicstreamer and the dacport lx both have around the same sound signature that I want. I'm more musical and less technical, but they seem to be designed for the portable crowd. The dacmagic is said to be worse than the other two and the stello da100 seems to be veiled and boring. Anybody have any other dacs in mind? My price range is 400-600 dollars.

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post #2 of 8
10/13/11 at 8:02pm

I'm having the same problem trying to decide on a new DAC. I've looked at the ads for Halide Design DAC HD which is slated to be released this month. Its a 24 bit 96 khz design. Its old name is Devilsound USB DAC and has gotten good reviews for the most part. I believe its made here in America but I'm not sure. Seems to be much like the music streamer. It comes with the cables attached and are silver in content. I hope there will be some reviews soon.

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post #3 of 8
10/14/11 at 1:46am

You might want to consider the new Schiit Bifrost, $350-$450 depending on usb. Impressions are starting to trickle out.

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post #4 of 8
10/14/11 at 5:00am
Thread Starter 

The Schiit Bifrost is in its early review stages, looks like a good candidate, a lot of hype surrounding it though. I might have to wait until the commotion settles down. I'm also looking at the HRT Music Streamer Pro. I'd have to buy the cardas mini xlr to rca adapter. Does anybody have any experience with the Pro?

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post #5 of 8
10/16/11 at 3:03pm

I recently returned my Wyred4Sound DAC-2 and purchased a HRT Music Streamer II (not II+).

Great sounding little unit for the price but a little buggy with Foobar & WASAPI.

Not sure if it applies to the MSII+ and MS Pro.

 

I would not buy the MS Pro if you are just going to get adapters to RCA.

Unless... you are planning to go balanced in the future?

 

The Schiit Bifront looks like a solid contender, need more impressions though.

 

I know you are posting for a standalone DAC but take a look at the Audio-gd NFB10SE.

It is a great balanced DAC/AMP at your max price point of $499 (+shipping).

Recently heard my friend's unit with my balanced LCD-2; packs a punch.

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post #6 of 8
10/16/11 at 3:08pm
Thread Starter 

That's quite a jump down the line. What made you do that? I think you are right about the pro and the rca adapters, might just be too much of a hassle for me. I will check out the nfb10se, thanks! 

 

Just checked out the NFB 10ES, it looks like it will cost around 900+ for it. That's a little over my budget.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by lootbag View Post

I recently returned my Wyred4Sound DAC-2 and purchased a HRT Music Streamer II (not II+).

Great sounding little unit for the price but a little buggy with Foobar & WASAPI.

Not sure if it applies to the MSII+ and MS Pro.

 

I would not buy the MS Pro if you are just going to get adapters to RCA.

Unless... you are planning to go balanced in the future?

 

The Schiit Bifront looks like a solid contender, need more impressions though.

 

I know you are posting for a standalone DAC but take a look at the Audio-gd NFB10SE.

It is a great balanced DAC/AMP at your max price point of $499 (+shipping).

Recently heard my friend's unit with my balanced LCD-2; packs a punch.



 


Edited by Enthusia - 10/16/11 at 3:19pm
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post #7 of 8
10/16/11 at 3:41pm

$900!? You sure you looked at the right one?

I suggested the NFB10SE, not the NFB10ES or WM.

 

Here is the link:

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB-10.1/NFB10.1EN.htm

 

It's on promotion for $499.

Just suggesting it because it has been receiving positive reviews here on Head-Fi and have heard it myself.

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post #8 of 8
10/16/11 at 3:47pm
Thread Starter 

Haha oh I see, big mistake on my part. That is indeed not the one I was looking at.

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