[thatguy1]

Hi, I was wondering what audio interfaces or DAC's is the best investment around 500 usd. I will be using it with the lcd 2 r2 for producing music. I was thinking of Benchmark DAC1 but after some thought I thought it was a little too expensive, any recommendations?

 

[lxar]

I have benchmark dac1 pre and it is rather good.Only thing missing is the remote control

 

[tme110]

AGD nfb-10se
 

 

[bixby]

I owned 2 Benchmark Dac1s in my past and while it is a good dac and can be had for around $500 used, I think there might be a few nicer sounding ones.  Two that would be on my short list although I have not heard them would be the Apogee Duet 2 for a Mac and the Halide Dac Hd for either Mac or PC.  In either case it would help to try them first or buy with a trial period.
 
Edit:
 
Whoa you did not tell us if you have an amp for the LCD 2, and using headphones for producing music??, not sure I would.

 

[thatguy1]

Yeah I don't have an amp for the LCD 2.. Not sure if can afford one now, a decent audio interface is what I'm going for now. I will check on these.
 
Producing with headphones is alright.. not as good as with good monitors though but okay.
 
Thanks for the replies

 

[Tilpo]

If you don't have an amp then your best bet is probably getting a good amp/DAC combo instead.

Any specific features you need? (S/PDIF, USB, XLR jacks, 192kHz playback, stuff like that)