[th0m]

I've got a Keces 131 on the way since a couple of days ago. However, I managed to scrape together a little more money and I'm already thinking about getting something else (damn you head-fi!). So, what's the best DAC $600 will get you? Will there even be a significant difference to the Keces? Only requirement I've got is that it must be able to handle 192kHz signals.

 

[mrarroyo]

A lot will depend on the kind of sound you like. For example OS vs NOS, sound very different. Then there is the "magic" the builder puts into his products, no two $600 dacs will sound the same. Heck you put 2 similarly priced dacs and 50 people in a room and I bet you you will have it split 50/50.

All that aside you may want to look into the Oritek V4.1 or if you have an Apple the Apogee Duet. Good luck.

 

[th0m]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif A lot will depend on the kind of sound you like. For example OS vs NOS, sound very different. Then there is the "magic" the builder puts into his products, no two $600 dacs will sound the same. Heck you put 2 similarly priced dacs and 50 people in a room and I bet you you will have it split 50/50. All that aside you may want to look into the Oritek V4.1 or if you have an Apple the Apogee Duet. Good luck.

You're right of course. It's just that it's totally impossible to hear any of the DAC's talked about here on head-fi in Sweden, so the only possible way is to buy a pig in a poke (that's what you say right?).

Anyway, I've been hearing a lot about the Oritek but can it handle 192kHz signals? Can't find any detailed specs anywhere.

 

[Killercrush]

My vote goes for a used Channel Islands Audio VDA2 DAC + VAC1 Power supply, it goes around 500-600 on the used market and yes it does handle 24/192 signals.

 

[Ech0]

I was looking for a DAC in this price range and had narrowed it down to CIAUDIO VDA2 or Stello DA100 (used) based on reviews / recommendations of others. I finally settled on an Opus Dac (DIY) w/some added modules. I should be in the $600.00 range when it's said and done.

 

[Killercrush]

DIY options will always be the wisest choice for the money.

The design of the Opus seems quite fine.

 

[th0m]

I'm too much of a novice with a soldering iron to be able to build a DIY DAC and I like to keep things as hassle free as possible, so I don't think the Opus is for me.

The VDA-2 looks good though and from what I've read, CI Audio seems to be making some very nice products overall. Looks very interesting.

Thanks for the help so far.

 

[StanleyB1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by th0m /img/forum/go_quote.gif I Only requirement I've got is that it must be able to handle 192kHz signals.

Out of curiosity, is the 192KHz requirement down to the fact that your audio material is sampled at 192KHz, or do you have a lot of 192KHz material?

 

[th0m]

I've got about a handful of albums ripped at 24bit/192kHz that I still want to be able to play through ASIO.

 

[mrarroyo]

As I understand it the Oritek V4.1 DAC handles up to 24/192. To confirm please contact Ori at: OritekAudio@gmail.com

 

[Golden Monkey]

Yes, the OMZ can accept 24/192. It's a really nice DAC, by the way.

Another option would be to get something like a Zero, and install a discrete output stage. Easy to do, even for the DIY-Challenged.

 

[Cankin]

how much is the Buffalo DAC(finished built by professional) ?? any estimates??