$2k budget Dac's recommendation

[WindowsX]

I'm looking for a new dac to use with my grace m902 in 2k price range. Right now I'm considering Dac1 USB and DA220 MKII in my list. But I'm not sure if I know enough dacs for making a decision so please guide me along.

 

[guzziguy]

It's not a DAC but it will be very hard to beat the SACDmod'ed Sony 555ES in the Source For Sale forum with any DAC in the $2K range. And it's going for $900.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Dan Millheim]

I had a benchmark Dac1 and sold it to upgrade to a Northstar M192. I enjoyed the Dac1 but LOVE the M192. It has detail, big air, and real warmth! My next upgrade will be to send it off Steve at Empirical Audio to be modded to join with my modded Olive via I2s. The M192 lists for $2,500 but there are great deals available if you check around.

 

[WindowsX]

Ummm..... just to be clear. My price range is 1200-1800 (excluding shipping and fee) Northstar seems to be great but above my price.

 

[sachu]

Get a used ChordDAC64 and you are golden

 

[Dan Millheim]

No, I got a brand new one on audiogon for $1400. I have seen them used for $1000-1200. You just have to keep your eyes peeled, ha.

 

[sachu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Millheim /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, I got a brand new one on audiogon for $1400. I have seen them used for $1000-1200. You just have to keep your eyes peeled, ha.

The DAC64 for abt 1k$.?? WOw..I will be keeping an eye out now!

 

[spacemanspliff]

Modded something or other. There are DIY dacs that can be built which rival anything in that price range. That's why I am getting an Oritek. Bang for the buck. Heck the Twisted Pear should be awesome for around $450-550 new.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sachu /img/forum/go_quote.gif The DAC64 for abt 1k$.?? WOw..I will be keeping an eye out now!

He's talking about Northstar M192, not DAC64.

As Dan has stated, Northstar M192 do show up fairly often on Audiogon well within your price range.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Double post. I haven't done this in a long while.

 

[sachu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salt Peanuts /img/forum/go_quote.gif He's talking about Northstar M192, not DAC64. As Dan has stated, Northstar M192 do show up fairly often on Audiogon well within your price range.

Oh!.. no wonder.

 

[Steven Vujovic]

A Theta Generation Va is awesome and goes for about $1250 - $1500 used in excellent condition. Very hard to beat it at that price and built like a tank.

 

[WindowsX]

My audiogon account is broken. (Trying to contact seller and then cookie error). If someone can ask the seller for me, I would be very appreciated.

 

[Lazarus Short]

I suppose it's all a matter of perspective: to me, "budget" and "$2K DAC" do not go together. My recently-bought budget DAC is an old Sony ES unit I nailed on eBay for $70, and I am quite impressed with it. It's my third DAC, BTW.

Laz

 

[krmathis]

I recommend you check out the Electrocompaniet ECD1 as well.
Its a great sounding and very versatile DAC.