Dac for no more than $1000

Why's async USB so important?  

Find a used Benchmark DAC1 USB for under $1000 (this is a rather sterile and cold sound, though, transparent - not warmly colored as you might prefer), it's got some of the best adaptive usb implementation around. It is not as if the worst of the async's are better than the best of the adaptives; I do not believe the differences in sound between implementations is a gulf so great as that.  

Anyway, I'd say don't worry too much about adaptive vs asynchronous, and go for as transparent and distortionless a DAC as possible. Let the amplifier and the speakers or headphones provide your color.  

You might also refer to the lists found here: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_DAC.htm to get some ideas of models that are out there.

Music Hall 25.3 + Burson HD Audio Opamp x 3. Under 1K with valve stage. 

Well he said "sweet and warm" and the benchmark DAC was described as "serrated and horribly bright" in a review today.

may try CA DACMAGIC PLUS which use Anagram up sampling for real and warm, smooth sound.

I'm upgrading from my Yulong D100 to the Yulong D18. Pure DAC, rca and balanced XLR output, quite under budget and Project 86 seems to love it. Sabre chip as well, and the descriptions seem to match what you're after.

coinup I recommend you get a NOS DAC, perhaps something with PCM1704.

Even the TeraDak might suit your fancy.

This is usually the path vinyl lovers take, the ones that like to call modern DAC chips "junk". ^^

Quote:

Originally Posted by coinup 

Thankyou for everyone's reply, but I was looking for a dac hopefully without headphone support.

 

Burson's own dac looks interesting, with a nicely populated circuit board(s), looks a lot better value than wavelength's options, especially with their near empty $6500 tube dac.

 

 

The Dac section on my 160Ds is pretty good, i guess the dedicated improves that in every aspect. 

There's a review comparing it to the Antelope zodiac dac + (a 2k unit) and the results were good, describing the burson as warmer, less critical, full and rich. Not very far from it. 

Fabio not sure if your XB300 is doing it justice, if that's you in the avatar.

Check out a Wyred 4 Sound DAC1, or a used DAC2 if you can stretch your budget a little or find a good deal.

I have the 160D, it's DAC is good, but not as nice as the W4S.

Not an expert on internals by any stretch, but good ears and common sense will tell you that the number of internal components is nowhere near as relevant as their implementation, IE final output sound.

Jump over in the dedicated source component forum and ask about the audioGD vs W4S, I haven't heard the former so I can't help you. The latter however is the best component I have bought thus far.

Rega DAC, the closest to analogue I've heard so far.