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Seeking small, complete tabletop DAC for under $500

post #1 of 10
2/4/12 at 8:47pm
Thread Starter 

Hello folks, I am seeking suggestions for a compact, tabletop DAC (in essence, a digital preamp) for under $500.  Minimum required features/functions include:

 

  • Asynchonous USB input at 24-bit/96kHz;
  • Headphone amplifier;
  • Variable stereo audio line-out output;
  • Upsampling of input signal to 192kHz;
  • Optical/Coaxial SPDIF input at 24-bit/192kHz;
  • No bigger than, give or take, 15cm x 10cm x 5cm;
  • A/C power supply;
  • Under $500.

 

Right now, the top contender is the ESI Dr. DAC Prime.  Any others that offer a more complete package than the ESI DAC for the same or less money?

 


Edited by Mauricio - 2/4/12 at 9:24pm
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post #2 of 10
2/5/12 at 11:05pm
Thread Starter 

Another potential contender is the NuForce HDP.

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post #3 of 10
2/6/12 at 4:49am

 

Hey Mauricio

Just received my NuForce HDP.

I drive my Beyer T1 with it. I must say i'm not experienced in different DAC und Headamp. I more into Loudspeakers.

 

For me, the amp should not cost more than the 1/2 of the headphone or speaker.

 

This said, i was surprised by the performance of the nuforce. There is clearly a increase of quality in the sound. Don't ask me about details. But it really opens the T1.

Don't kill

 

I also like the flexibility of the nuforce. Analog out (can connect to my stereo), Headphone amp, DAC.

 

So far i enjoy my nuforce a lot.

 

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post #4 of 10
2/6/12 at 10:27pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the info.  Yeah, the NuForce HDP looks good.  However, offering upsampling to 192kHz and Analog-to-Digital Conversion, the ESI Dr. DAC Prime still seems the better choice on paper based on features/functions alone.  Any other contenders?

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post #5 of 10
2/6/12 at 10:50pm

Starting low (entry level) and going higher .......

 

Audio-gd NFB-12.1 @ USD 215

Audio-gd NFB-5      @ USD 330

Audio-gd NFB-10SE @ USD 499

 

I haven't heard the   NFB-5 or NFB-10SE.  I own the NFB-12.

 

I think it has everything you're after


Edited by Brooko - 2/6/12 at 10:51pm
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post #6 of 10
2/6/12 at 11:54pm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JAVS-DAC-2-PC-Hi-Fi-Audio-Processor-DAC-Free-EMS-/250721815258?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a602f4ada#ht_3756wt_901

 

Can't say that they're exactly the same as the ESI Dr. DAC Prime but they're certainly very similar and about $100 less.

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post #7 of 10
2/15/12 at 4:11am

Any review for  ESI Dr. DAC Prime. ?

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post #8 of 10
2/15/12 at 4:30am
Thread Starter 

Look here

http://www.headfonia.com/esi-audiotrak-dr-dac-prime-review/

 

I am taking suggestions of the DAC to dethrone this ESI product.

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post #9 of 10
3/17/12 at 8:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brooko View Post

Starting low (entry level) and going higher .......

 

Audio-gd NFB-12.1 @ USD 215

Audio-gd NFB-5      @ USD 330

Audio-gd NFB-10SE @ USD 499

 

I haven't heard the   NFB-5 or NFB-10SE.  I own the NFB-12.

 

I think it has everything you're after

 

Those three products are all significantly larger than the ESI Dr. DAC Prime.
 

 

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post #10 of 10
3/24/12 at 3:16pm

FOr the price, nothing beats the NFB-12.  IMO its the best thing you can get for under $200 (used) and even when directly comparing to the nuforce HDP, I have a hard time telling any difference whatsoever (sounds like the HDP has a minute tad more treble, and is maybe a tad bit sharper...maybe....but this is only vaguely noticable when doing direct comparisons.  In other words, they basically sound the same

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