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Recommend me a decent dac!

post #1 of 9
2/8/12 at 1:57am
Thread Starter 

Hi, I'm relatively new to the whole 'audiophile' thing and need some recommendations on a new dac - budget is at around $200~$350 (I'm willing to stretch it a bit if it's worthwhile).

 

My audio gear consists of a dt990/600 ohm, fiio e9 and creative x fi titanium (non-hd); it is a pretty 'bright' sounding headphone but it's nothing unbearable (enjoying it considerably) but I would love something that would tame the highs a bit (I really wouldn't mind getting a slightly warmish DAC); also, the mids are a bit recessed and I would love something that would flesh it out a bit.

 

So yeah, what I'm basically looking for is:

 

- A slightly warm DAC although I'll be pretty content with a neutral DAC since I don't really find the phones that bright

- Good value for money

- I'm not sure if optical inputs are in every DAC nowadays but it's a must for me; USB input isn't really needed although something future-proof would be nice.

-A DAC that portrays the mids well.

 

That's all I guess. I'm sure you guys get a lot of these kind of threads and would be grateful if you guys helped me out with this (since it's driving me nuts).

 

 

Kind regards,

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post #2 of 9
2/8/12 at 4:10pm
Thread Starter 

Bump!

 

Please help me guys...I'm getting desperate here...and lonleytriportsad.gif

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post #3 of 9
2/8/12 at 4:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by villageidiot View Post

Bump!

 

Please help me guys...I'm getting desperate here...and lonleytriportsad.gif



DACport LX from CEntrance. I really enjoy this DAC and it sounds better than the DACport due to it being a pure DAC. It has a large sound stage, very transparent and beautiful mid range. Its more on the neutral side of things.

 

Hope this helps you :).

 

http://www.centrance.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16163


Edited by lee730 - 2/8/12 at 4:15pm
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post #4 of 9
2/8/12 at 4:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lee730 View Post



DACport LX from CEntrance. I really enjoy this DAC and it sounds better than the DACport due to it being a pure DAC. It has a large sound stage, very transparent and beautiful mid range. Its more on the neutral side of things.

 

Hope this helps you :).

 

http://www.centrance.com/store/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16163


That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbhtongue.gif .

 

I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.

 

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post #5 of 9
2/8/12 at 4:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by villageidiot View Post


That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbhtongue.gif .

 

I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.

 



Well its meant to be portable. It also has a class A amp inside so it heats up and that aluminum body helps it to dissipate heat. Is also has 24/96 playback so you can listen to high quality Flac at bit for bit.

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post #6 of 9
2/8/12 at 6:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by villageidiot View Post


That's an odd looking thing! Why did they decide to case it like that? Looks like a torchlight tbhtongue.gif .

 

I'll definitely take a look at it though, thanks for the recommendation.

 


looks like another light confused_face.gif
 

 

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post #7 of 9
2/12/12 at 11:03am

musical fidelity vdac 2!!

 

i recently got it and it is much loved! and it fits your budget @ 350$

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post #8 of 9
2/12/12 at 11:32am

Schiit Bifrost

 

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post #9 of 9
2/12/12 at 8:45pm

Neutral, $150, better than anything under $300:

 

www.headfonia.com/the-hrt-music-streamer-ii-asynchronous-2496-for-149-95/

 

They also have a $350 one with yet better sound quality.

 

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