[katalyst^]

After a few years away from Head-fi, all of a sudden I have a nasty itch that only an upgrade can solve!

I currently have HD650s and ER4S with an E-mu 0404/Total Airhead. I am looking for a DAC/amp (preferably in one unit) to use with my laptop S/PDIF. After a bit of reading, the DAC/amp combos that are in my budget range seem to be DAC1, Opera, Grace M902, Headroom Home Desktop/Desktop Portable, Presonus CS, and upgraded Zero with a LD MK V.

The M902 is a bit expensive, while I haven't been able to find a company that will ship DAC1s internationally, and I refuse to pay absurd local prices for a DAC1 - $2000 AUD - when the exchange rate is close to parity.

Could anyone offer any advice?

 

[compuryan]

Check out audiogon, there are some DAC1's for sale there. Also consider the Lavry DA10. There is someone here selling one:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f43/fs-lavry-da10-346717/

 

[katalyst^]

Ooch I forgot about that one

Is there a clear winner out of these? I know that the DAC1 used to be very highly regarded, but read a review or two which preferred the DA10, and people here seem to think the Presonus comparable.

 

[compuryan]

I took a long time, a couple weeks, of research and talking to people to decide on buying my modded DAC1. I have never heard the DA10, so I cannot make a recommendation one way or another. I haven't heard the Presonus either. I do love my DAC1 though.