Advice needed on a DAC for the Stax 404/313

[Aldyrin]

I recently have decided to purchase the Stax 404/313 combo, but before I do, I need to decide on a DAC that will be the best for my system. I am looking at using an emu 1212m as my source for now.

I have read on several threads that the 404/313 combo is a bit bright, although others just termed it as "revealing". Either way, a warmish DAC was suggested.

Anyone have any suggestions on DACs for my purpose, hopefully around $500? I would go up to $1000 if it would be a huge difference, but it hurts the wallet

 

[kmcdonou]

For a dark, ripened, sophisticated sound the Ack Dack 2.0 is really really nice. It costs $800, which is over your desired $500, but less than $1000. I auditioned this and the Benchmark Dac-1 and kept the Ack. I wouldn't get the hi-rez caps but simply the standard configuration. The hi-rez caps take an incredibly long time to burn-in. Another quality of the Ack is it's smoothness or liquidness. A great dac for sure.

For less money, Ack Industries is selling their remaining stock of version 1.2e , the latest iteration before the 2.0. It is only $409 and an incredible value for the price.

 

[edstrelow]

I have a Stax 404 but with the older SRM3 amp, running off a Musical Fidelity A324192K DAC and a Monarchy Classic jitter reducer. The Musical Fidelity is good but I was even more impressed by the effect of inserting the Monarchy unit both into this combo and another lesser set-up. It does wonders on several important features of sound, including tighter and deeper bass, better dynamics and cleaner, less grating treble.

Many users speak of "treble etch" with the Stax Lambda series, of which the 404 is the most recent. The Monarchy makes this disappear, since apparently it is primarily a digital artifact, reduced by the Monarchy.

 

[Dave1]

I have both the 3030 and 4040 systems. I use a Ack! v1 on the 3030 and it sounds great. I also have a benchmark on another system which I think has a little more clarity. Either the Ack! or the benchmark would be a great choice.

 

[Don Quichotte]

Quote:

Either the Ack! or the benchmark would be a great choice.

Really? Isn't the Benchmark a bit too bright and without enough presence in the lower midrange to mate well with the Stax 3030?

 

[Dave1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Quichotte Really? Isn't the Benchmark a bit too bright and without enough presence in the lower midrange to mate well with the Stax 3030?

I don't find the Benchmark overly bright and with subdued midrange. I find it very balanced and a great match for the Stax. It is a little bit cleaner than the Ack.

 

[Don Quichotte]

Thanks! I hope I'll be able to post some impressions on this particular combination something like a week from now and maybe even something much more in detail in a few weeks.

Any interconnect recommendation around $100-150? How about van der Hull?

 

[mikeliao]

I used a Stax 404/313 combo with a DAC1 for a little while. Its tight, clear, and detailed...exactly what electrostatics should be. Some people translate that as "revealing." The DAC1 is a perfect match for electrostatics if detail is what you're after. If you're looking for a more a "musical" or relaxed listen, electrostatics and the DAC1 may not be a good first choice...unless super detail is what you like. Try before you buy.

If you're worried about it being too bright...it depends on the music, it depends on the recording. Since you're running it from a computer, use a good equilizer program to adjust out the hardware to your preference. You could even tailor each song to suit you.

 

[Don Quichotte]

Quote:

Location: Still at work... 90 hours a week... minimum... help.

Mikeliao... are you serious???!!

Re. the Stax / Dac1 combo, what ICs did you use?