[DavidMahler]

What is the best DAC for 2500 USD or less. It needs to have a USB port. Please if you can describe the sound of the DAC of your choice.

Thanks David

 

[musicmind]

I dont know if its best, the Bel Canto e.One DAC3 has USB and is about 2500$.

The Novemeber Stereophile had a little review of it here :
Stereophile: Bel Canto e.One DAC3 D/A processor

 

[Redo]

I'd probably stick to the Apogee Mini DAC, Benchmark DAC1, or Stello DA100 for USB DACs.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Here are most of your possible choices between $400 and $2,500 new.

Bel Canto DAC-3 ($2,500)
Hagerman Technology Chime ($1,799)
Wavelength Brick ($1,750)
Grace m902 ($1,600)
Musical Fidelity X-Dac v.8 ($1,499)
Stello DA220 MKII ($1,495)
Benchmark DAC1 USB ($1,275)
Corda Opera ($1,120)
Apogee Mini DAC ($1,050)
PS Audio Digital Link III ($995)
Benchmark DAC1 ($975)
Aqvox DAC USB ($775)
HeadRoom 2007 Ultra Micro DAC ($699)
Stello DA100 ($675)
HeadRoom 2007 Micro DAC ($399-$498)

 

[Fungi]

These threads may be of interest.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/dac...k-da10-158890/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/ste...20mkii-201105/
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f7/rate-your-dacs-239705/

 

[granodemostasa]

I would pick up a Wavelenght cosecant on a'gon, they usually go for that much.

 

[bhjazz]

Perpetual Technologies P-3A ~$1000
Northstar 192 $2500

Both of these can work with I2S signals.

 

[musicmind]

Sadly the Meier Opera is now 1220$.
Also is it possible to use it solely as a DAC somehow, because afaik it doesnt have line-outs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Here are all of your possible choices between $400 and $2,500 new. Bel Canto DAC-3 ($2,500) Hagerman Technology Chime ($1,799) Wavelength Brick ($1,750) Grace m902 ($1,600) Musical Fidelity X-Dac v.8 ($1,499) Stello DA220 MKII ($1,495) Benchmark DAC1 USB ($1,275) Corda Opera ($1,120) Apogee Mini DAC ($1,050) PS Audio Digital Link III ($995) Benchmark DAC1 ($975) Aqvox DAC USB ($775) HeadRoom 2007 Ultra Micro DAC ($699) Stello DA100 ($675) HeadRoom 2007 Micro DAC ($399-$498)

 

[cconnaker]

If you are going to spend that much money I would get a DAC that supports 24/96 audio over USB.

Bel Canto will be updating the DAC3 to support 24/96 very soon.

These currently support 24/96 over USB:
Benchmark DAC1 USB
Empirical Audio Spoiler USB tube DAC
some of the Wavelength USB DAC's

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cconnaker These currently support 24/96 over USB...

Also, the E-MU 0404 USB (~$170).

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cconnaker /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are going to spend that much money I would get a DAC that supports 24/96 audio over USB. Bel Canto will be updating the DAC3 to support 24/96 very soon. These currently support 24/96 over USB: Benchmark DAC1 USB Empirical Audio Spoiler USB tube DAC some of the Wavelength USB DAC's

Or buy a M-Audio 24/96 USB device, that takes your options up from 3 to maybe a hundred DAC's. I am leaning toward a Channel Island VDA-2 DAC with a M-Audio Audiophile USB. I saw a few reviews (posts) where the VDA-2 was equal to the DLIII.

For me a 16 bit USB input on a DAC is useless as I have a few hundred gigs of 24 bit flac. I think you will be unhappy with a 16 bit USB input.

 

[lowmagnet]

DAC-1 with USB (as the OP wants it) is ~$1200.

 

[cconnaker]

From EMU site:

** When connecting the 0404 USB to a USB 1.1 port on a Windows PC, performance will be limited to 16-bit and 44.1/48kHz recording and playback. Macintosh support limited to USB 2.0 ports only.

The site does not specifically say that if connected via USB 2.0 you can get 24/96. Can anyone find this in writing? I am reading the manual right now.

 

[cconnaker]

USB 2.0 vs. USB 1.1 Operation (Windows only)
The 0404 can operate in USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 mode. 96 kHz and 192 kHz sample
rates are only available while operating in USB 2.0. The included E-MU USB Audio
Control panel software includes an indicator to let the user know which mode the
device is running in.

 

[Progenitor]

Yes you do get 24/96 when using USB on the 404.

I have heard quite a few DACs (have a Zhaolu and 404 at home, and have heard the Benchmark DAC1, Stello DA100) and I would recommend the Oritek modded Zhaolu. Especially now with ori's headamp section which sounds better than my GS-1 on the HD650 and AKG K701. The main impression I get from the Ori modded zhaolu is that all of the ranges equally excel and the sound is organic.