$1000 or so DAC?
Jan 26, 2005 at 12:19 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 19
BANGPOD

BANGPOD

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Head-Fi'ers --

To be honest with you, I love my Muse 2 Plus DAC w/Bessel Filter.
It is musical with tight bass and midrange bloom, with great detail.
Vocals are lush, highs are slightly subdued -- while staying neutral.
I believe this DAC handles music the same way my HR-2 amp does.

But I am looking to get out of the 1990's archaic used market...
I want to find a relatively newer product, even if it is slightly used.
I want similar sound, build quality, and power of the Muse 2 Plus.
Is there any DAC $1000 +/- a few $$$ (new or used) I would like?
I am looking for synergy with the HR-2 and an NEC 6xe cd-rom...

And possible a CD transport I can buy new (my NEC is past its time)...

BANGPOD
 
Jan 26, 2005 at 1:37 AM Post #3 of 19
I agree with Blitzula
smily_headphones1.gif


You could always get the DAC modded a little. Sound should be a further improvement on itself. That's why I keep my ART DI/O around. Even though it's not the best, I've just become attached to it
tongue.gif
 
Jan 26, 2005 at 2:54 AM Post #4 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitzula
If you love it, why change?


Blitzula --

I don't love it, per se, I love the type of sound it produces for me.
I just want to take it's sound signature and upgrade it considerably.
I have found a sound I like, but now I am ready to improve on it.

That is like saying I shouldn't get Omega II's since I love the SR-404's.
Or since I have the HA-2 I shouldn't jump to the Prehead because I'm happy.

I told you the sound that I like for DAC's, as the HR-2's is to head amps.
I want to upgrade, but I want to stay on the warmer side of neutral.
But, I cannot sacrifice detail, resolution, and clarity... I want Muse 2 ^ x.

Obviously, the Muse 2 Plus is not the be all, end all of the sound I prefer.
It is a big step in the right direction, nothing more. Now I know what I want.
If I stopped at what I was satisfied with, I would still have my Headsave Transit.

...and I would have never stumbled upon the Emmeline HR-2.
I would have missed out on something that defined my preferences.

Do you see where I am going with this? I have listened to a lot of gear...
But now I have found my niche... I am not a mid-fi guy -- I want better.

Somebody tell me about a transport/DAC that fits my preferences!
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BANGPOD
 
Jan 26, 2005 at 7:11 AM Post #6 of 19
i suggest you save that money for some fun in college, know what i'm saying ; ).


Everyone who hasn't already (and i'm sure you already had it in mind) is saying DAC1 DAC1 get that. It's great, so consider that one.


The grace 901 -- well you got a nice amp already... it wouldn't be necessary anymore if you got this, and i would suggest you go this way if you'd consider getting rid of the HR2. It's a great device, and available much cheaper, now that people have found other stuff to buy i guess. I always wanted one of those but i got the DAC1 instead.

Other then that, for the price range your saying, there isn't much else. I got to hear hirsch's ack dack, it's pretty nice. It's cheaper, and i hope your not just thinking price rather then sounds? Well if that's the case i think i noticed one used for sub 500 recently.


There aren't a whole lot of options you can go for at that price range. I'm sure those senn hd650s u got would sound amazing coming straight out of a grace 901 (and a much simpler setup).
 
Jan 26, 2005 at 7:37 AM Post #8 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by mjg
Everyone who hasn't already (and i'm sure you already had it in mind) is saying DAC1 DAC1 get that. It's great, so consider that one.


Yes, I second that suggestion.
In addition to its excellent sound quality for decoding up to 24/192 PCM, its major strengths are 1) jitter immunity 2) build quality 3) preamp function 4) built-in headphon amp 5) connectivity.
It is reasonably priced at $975 and the fact that your old transport will work just great (due to jitter immunity) will save you extra bucks.
To see how professional and consumer audio presses praise DAC1 alike, go to Benmark Media website.
On that website you will also find some of the most respected master engineers' praises for this unit.
Moreover, many discussions on this forum about DAC1 can be found.
 
Jan 27, 2005 at 2:44 AM Post #10 of 19
Do NOT get the Benchmark DAC1. It is not on the warmer side of neutral (which is what you say you're looking for). In fact, I can't think of another source that is more opposite.
 
Jan 27, 2005 at 3:42 AM Post #11 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodgy
Do NOT get the Benchmark DAC1. It is not on the warmer side of neutral (which is what you say you're looking for). In fact, I can't think of another source that is more opposite.


Wodgy --

I am thinking of avoiding the Benchmark DAC1 for the following reasons:

1) As you said, it is NOT on the warmer side of neutral (the Muse 2 Plus is)
2) I have heard that the DAC1 is NOT a good pairing with the HR-2 amp

The Muse 2 plus is warm, musical, detailed and clear with great bass.

How would the Bel Canto DAC 2 fit into the sound signature that I like?
What about the Perpetual Technologies front-end in the For Sale Forum?

Is there anything better for a CD transport? Or should I stick with the NEC?

BANGPOD
 
Jan 27, 2005 at 9:37 PM Post #15 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by drminky
This trivista-21 might be worth making an offer on. Got one myself. Definitely could describe it as warm side of neutral, detailed, clear and very musical. I'm sure it would love your HR2.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....onv&1111884964


drminky --

I have been looking at the TRIVISTA for quite some time.
It just seems that it is a little too expensive for me to buy.

How would the TRIVISTA compare to the BEL CANTO DAC2?

Also, anyone know of a entry-level transport better than my NEC?

BANGPOD
 
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