[tuffgong]

Following your idea I found the halide design usb/spdif converter, I never knew they had designed these, although this one doesn't split into two channels, still, very useful, thanks.

 

[tuffgong]

The V-link also looks good, and splits into two outs. Thanks.

 

[Bmac]

You could also just buy y splitters if you don't want to use RCA and XLR outputs. I have used these in the past, though I don;t recall them costing this much:
 
http://www.takefiveaudio.com/mall/shopexd.asp?id=287

 

[BleaK]

Hi guys, I may have a deal on a old Benchmark DAC1 (from 2006). I have optical out from my computer and if I buy it I plan to use that. It currently lies around 500usd, is this a good deal?
 

 

[kawaivpc1]

Hello guys,

I'm trying to buy a used DAC1 USB.
Does it still worth buying after all these years?
Its used price is now only $450.
Should I buy iDSD Micro instead?
I'm interested in DAC1 mainly because I love the sound of DAC2 HGC. Some people have mentioned that DAC1 is slightly worse than DAC2 but it's still amazing.


I'm looking for the best sound quality at affordable price.
Please tell me your opinion. I use Shure's SRH1840.
I'm using Geek Out 1000 as a main DAC.

 

[James-uk]

Dac1 is audibly transparent just like the dac2 so it will sound the same. the only difference is the specs , obviously the dac2 is better on paper but you will not hear the difference .
Edit : the headphone amp section is identical on both .

 

[kawaivpc1]

Dac1 is audibly transparent just like the dac2 so it will sound the same. the only difference is the specs , obviously the dac2 is better on paper but you will not hear the difference .
Edit : the headphone amp section is identical on both .

Thanks for confirming this, I will get a used unit soon.
Can you play DSD files through DAC1?
I think DoP may work?

 

[kawaivpc1]

Also, does it come with a stable USB ASIO driver that you can use on DAWs such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro?

 

[James-uk]

Thanks for confirming this, I will get a used unit soon.
Can you play DSD files through DAC1?
I think DoP may work?

No DSD. Not sure about the usb driver I only use mine for playback of redbook via MacBook air/iPad.

 

[James-uk]

I suppose this is where the dac1 will fall short. It's features are 'limited' compared to today's dacs ie 'hi res' (dac1 usb *only* accepts up to 24/96)and DSD playback. Neither of which are useful for transparent playback so are just gimmicks really.

 

[kawaivpc1]

Yeah, I read that it supports up to 24 bit 192kHz. Isn't it up to 24/192?
I think there can be a way. For instance, Meridian Explorer's web page doesn't say it will support DSD but you can play DSD files through Explorer. It's possible if you tweak JRiver or Foobar's setting.

For sound quality, does it sound better than iDSD Micro, Geek Out 1000, Sony PHA-3, etc?
If it sounds the same as DAC2, its used price $450 is a bargain for me.

 

[James-uk]

That is a bargain. it only accepts upto 24/96 on the usb input.

 

[kawaivpc1]

That is a bargain. it only accepts upto 24/96 on the usb input.

What happens when you play 24bit 192kHz files?
Does it mute itself?
or automatically down sample to 96kHz?

 

[kawaivpc1]

Is there any way around 24bit 192kHz files? I think you can try to use USB to analog adapter cable. According to DAC1's manual, DAC1 supports 24bit 192kHz analog input.

 

[Roseval]

Is there any way around 24bit 192kHz files? I think you can try to use USB to analog adapter cable. According to DAC1's manual, DAC1 supports 24bit 192kHz analog input.

 
24/192 is by design a digital signal, nothing analog about 24 bits

 
It accepts 24/192 max over the SPDIF- AES/EBU
The USB accepts 24/96 max. It is a bit dated design (adaptive mode) and of course it won't recognize DoP.
 
To play 24/192 you need a sound card with SPDIF out
If you send a signal > 96 kHz straight over the USB, it won't play.
Alternative, a USB to SPDIF converter supporting 24/192.
If you want to play DSD you need a media player converting it on the fly to PCM