Do I need a DAC? I think I need help here.

[003]

Hi, well my ultimate headphone system is almost complete, but there is still something I think I'm missing. A DAC. The only thing I know about DACs is they convert digital to analog. I don't know of any brands, DACs or specific models.

So as you can see, you are dealing with a total DAC newbie here. How would I hook up a DAC? My setup is this, an ESI Juli@ sound card as source, a WooAudio 3 as a PreAmp, a Monarchy SM-70 Pro as PowerAmp and the K1000 headphones.

Where would a DAC fit in to all of this and how would it hook up? I have heard that USB DACs have jitter problems and stuff like that, so I dont want a USB dac. I am looking to spend an ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM of $250, but I really want to keep the price $200 or less. Does anybody have any suggestions?

 

[digitalmind]

The DAC will be your source, why would you spend so little while you have such awesome gear that'll be presenting what the DAC outputs?
The way you'd hook the DAC up is: Soundcard's digital out > DAC > Woo 3.

As for recomendations, in your budget the Zhaulo D2 is very popular.

 

[003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by digitalmind The DAC will be your source, why would you spend so little while you have such awesome gear that'll be presenting what the DAC outputs? The way you'd hook the DAC up is: Soundcard's digital out > DAC > Woo 3. As for recomendations, in your budget the Zhaulo D2 is very popular.

What about the DAC-AH? That seems pretty popular as well. The reason I am looking to spend to "little" is because the SM-70 Pro (which I got for $589) and the K1000 were impulse buys, I wasn't really planning on it. I got presented with the opportunity, and could not let it just pass by.

Do you think a $250 DAC for my setup would not be good enough? What would be something that would be more appropriate?

 

[Chri5peed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 Do you think a $250 DAC for my setup would not be good enough? What would be something that would be more appropriate?

I think thats a definite no. I say that because lots of people use a soundcard or a DAP as a source with those level of equipment without an eyebrow raised(in terms of it being overkill). So its a pretty guaranteed thing that a $250 DAC would easily beat one of those...unless we're talking about hi up stereos or soundcards.

 

[003]

I have the same sound card as you.

What about the MicroDAC? It seems my choices would be the Zhaulo D2, the DAC-AH and the MicroDAC.

Which of these do you guys think is the best? Are there others? And where do you even get a Zhaulo D2?

 

[Chri5peed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 I have the same sound card as you. What about the MicroDAC? It seems my choices would be the Zhaulo D2, the DAC-AH and the MicroDAC.

I'd recommend the MicroDAC in a shot, but its $300.

 

[003]

Can anybody agree that the MicroDAC is better than the other two I am looking at?

If it is mabey I can try getting one used.

Any other suggestions?

EDIT:
I'm looking at the MicroDAC, and it needs a mini to mini interconnect. Are there any DACs that will take RCA to RCA? Oh hell, while I'm at it, lets bump up my max price to $400 as well.

 

[Thaddy]

003 I sent you a PM.

 

[falang]

How about the Spitfire DAC from Firestone Audio? Thats what I'll likely purchase in the next month.

http://www.firestone-audio.com/cgi-b...asp?pdtseqnm=4

 

[003]

Thanks, but I think I am going to try and look for something a little more high end. My budget is now $450 MAXIMUM, but I am looking to spend $400 or less.

The DAC must have coax and toslink inputs, and RCA to RCA interconnection.

Any suggestions?

 

[003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by falang How about the Spitfire DAC from Firestone Audio? Thats what I'll likely purchase in the next month. http://www.firestone-audio.com/cgi-b...asp?pdtseqnm=4

I like the look of that one, is it better than the DAC-AH, MicroDAC, Esoteric D-500 and the Zhaulo D2? And is that power supply for $100 extra worth it?

Anything else?

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 Can anybody agree that the MicroDAC is better than the other two I am looking at? If it is mabey I can try getting one used. Any other suggestions? EDIT: I'm looking at the MicroDAC, and it needs a mini to mini interconnect. Are there any DACs that will take RCA to RCA? Oh hell, while I'm at it, lets bump up my max price to $400 as well.

The Majority of DACs do..I don't like mini to mini for a DAC..For 400.00..You have some good option the Zhalou 2.0. DIYEDEN Great March Modified By Pacific Valve. Lite Audio DAC AM Solid State DAC..& many more..You just need to search & ask around..

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 Thanks, but I think I am going to try and look for something a little more high end. My budget is now $450 MAXIMUM, but I am looking to spend $400 or less. The DAC must have coax and toslink inputs, and RCA to RCA interconnection. Any suggestions?

Um..All DACs support Optical & Coax..Do you want USB support also? Balanced Headphone output? Tube DAC? This one looks good. Lite Audio DAC 60 - Tube Digital to Analogue Converter. 437.00..What phones do you currently own? & what sound signature are you looking for?

 

[003]

First of all, do you have links to those DACs you listed? Second, I would like to keep the DAC solid state please, the WA3 is enough

Also, seems the Zahual is better than the spitfire according to this thread:
http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=186147

I am also considering a Esoteric D-500, I can get one for $300 shipped, how is that?

The headphones I will be using will be the K1000 only.

 

[Thaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice Um..All DACs support Optical & Coax..Do you want USB support also? Balanced Headphone output? Tube DAC? This one looks good. Lite Audio DAC 60 - Tube Digital to Analogue Converter. 437.00..What phones do you currently own? & what sound signature are you looking for?

Those units from Lite Audio look nice, but don't forget that shipping from overseas is going to cost quite a bit.