[SemiAudiophile]

i'm thinking about going into the hybrid balanced/unbalanced route. but the only DAC i found that has the option to do this is the Benchmark DAC1. are there any other DACs out there that have this feature? i've also heard the DAC1 is a more analytical/cold sounding DAC, are there any more musical DACs out there?

 

[1UP]

Well, sure, but at the same price range, maybe look at the Stello DA220.

Cheaper, there's the Music Hall 25.2 with a BB DAC and tube output

 

[.Sup]

interesting thread. I'm thinking of replacing my 0404. Was looking at the presonus CS but it has no usb input

 

[tim3320070]

Audio-gd Reference 1 and some others below it are truely balanced- like two mono dacs in one chassis. It also has RCA outs for unblanaced.

 

[tom hankins]

AudiogoN ForSale: Audio Aero Prima MK Ii se

Also one for 200.00 less thats not the SE model. Both are really nice.

 

[anadin]

Cambridge Audio DacMagic.

 

[tom hankins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anadin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cambridge Audio DacMagic.

I didnt think the DAC magic had both balanced and unbalanced inputs?

 

[recca]

Glitch39 is loaning me his Zhaolu 2.5 with a Zapfilter and it sounds incredible. If you have some DIY Skills I would look into it. CS4398 with a great discreet output stage that does Balanced and SE.

 

[.Sup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hankins /img/forum/go_quote.gif I didnt think the DAC magic had both balanced and unbalanced inputs?

it has both

 

[johnkuo]

A bit higher in price, there's Bel Canto DAC3. It can be found used for about the same as a new DAC1.

 

[tom hankins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Sup /img/forum/go_quote.gif it has both

I guess I missed the balanced input when I looked at it.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

whoops i meant balanced/unbalanced output only. i don't think i'll need a balanced/unbalanced input since it will be digital anyway right? thanks for the recommendations so far.

 

[1UP]

Audio Aero is awesome! But rather $$$

This looks really nice and a bit of a bargain, too AudiogoN ForSale: Electrocompaniet ECD1,

 

[FallenAngel]

Uhm... almost all DACs that have balanced outputs have unbalanced as well.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

the DAC1 usb looked like a very good option with loads of features and nice enclosure. i will definitely look into the DA220 though, that looks like another good option. i've heard good things about the Bel Canto too. the music hall dac 25.2 doesn't look to shabby either, how does it compare to the likes of the dacmagic?