Can recommend me a DAC?

[mysticaldodo]

A while ago, I received the CA Azur 640C as a gift. I think its a fine cd player (I've had no problems unlike some that were reported here) I would like to upgrade the sound by adding a DAC. I intend to upgrade to SACD in the future but I'll concentrate on red book for now and will not change cd player.

I do not want to add anything to the sound signature of my system (its just nice) but would like to add more extensions especially on the lower range and improve everything else...detail, trasparency, etc. I primarily listen to classical, rock and others like Bjork which has music with layers and layers of sound. The DAC will be fed into my modded MF Xcan 3 without XPSU.

My choices are:

1. Benchmark DAC (price not confirm)
2. Musical Fidelity XDACV3 (price not confirm but will get discount)
3. Musical Fidelity A324 DAC (USD 894...3 months old)

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[mysticaldodo]

I'm also considering trading in my CA for the new DAC...then connecting straight to the EMU 1212M using the optical output. Or will connecting it from the CA be a better option? If I connect from the EMU, the bonus would less bulky equipment to deal with

I also enjoy the EMU 1212M sound. The EMU seems to push everything forward while the CA sounds more natural. They are both equally good to me with different sonic signatures. I'm leaning more towards the A324 DAC at the moment.

 

[Fickle-Friend]

Chord DAC 64!

 

[mysticaldodo]

Thats too expensive....way overkill

The price is below 2000 pounds is it?

 

[Fickle-Friend]

But its sure NICE! I have one! Ok check out the dCS stuff!

http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/

 

[byronyu]

I have the a324 and am very happy with it. But $894 USD sounds a bit expensive for a used one. Admittedly, i got an amazing deal for mine, but mine was like $500 USD used.

BTW, if that XDACV3 is anywhere in the price ball park of the a324, get the a324. The XDACV3 needs the XPSUV3 for it to sound good, while the a324 has an amazing psu inside it already.

Also, while i haven't heard the benchmark, people have compared it to the bel canto, which the A324 has been compared favourably with.

 

[mysticaldodo]

I think I'll go for the A324. The nett price of the XDAC seems to cost more. Is there anything that you don't like about A324? Quite curious why someone would sell if after 3 months...

 

[mysticaldodo]

The 324 has been sold off

The X24 DAC is selling for USD 300.

But I'm afraid that its not good enough...its suppose to be a budget DAC. I'm gonna audition the Benchmark today.