[Necrolic]

Well, I know I said I was settled on the Audio-GD DAC19/C2 combo, but I'm gonna be able to up the budget to $1400, so $700 for amp and $700 for DAC, although I would be willing to go up to $800 if it's really worth it.

I already made a post in the amp forum, but I want to ask here about DACs.

What would be the best DAC under $700 (or $800 if it's quite a bit ahead of what's under $700)? I'm looking for a neutral DAC that doesn't sound digital.

Looking at primarily SE for my amps, but I may end up going balanced so if your recommendation has true balanced that wouldn't hurt.

Thanks guys.

 

[Necrolic]

Bump.

 

[greenstuffs]

are you looking for a balanced DAC?

 

[Currawong]

Unless you can find a vintage DAC of similar calibre with the PCM1704UK, the DAC19 is probably your best bet for a non-digital-sounding DAC.

 

[Necrolic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Currawong /img/forum/go_quote.gif Unless you can find a vintage DAC of similar calibre with the PCM1704UK, the DAC19 is probably your best bet for a non-digital-sounding DAC.

Fantastic.

Would the C2 be the best amp to pair with it since Kingwa designed them to go together, or would there be a better sub-$800 amp to pair with it, Roc not included since DAC19 isn't balanced (sadly).

 

[K3cT]

There is the upcoming new Audio-gd DAC right?

 

[Necrolic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by K3cT /img/forum/go_quote.gif There is the upcoming new Audio-gd DAC right?

Yeah Kingwa told me it'd be around $1000 though.

 

[K3cT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah Kingwa told me it'd be around $1000 though.

I see... if that is the case, there is a used Buffalo32 in the FS forum that fits your price range if memory serves me right. You cannot do better than that.