Finding a DAC for the Cavalli Liquid Carbon. Only Four Months to Go.

[BRCMRGN]

This is an excellent starting point. Thanks for the suggestions. I suspect that when the Liquid Carbon ships, there will be a flurry of discussion on this subject.

 

[maricius]

The iFi Micro iDSD fits all that except for the balanced connection. I'm assuming the LC's phase splitter should be of high quality but if you insist on balanced, there is the CLAS -dB but no coax/optical input as far as I know. Also, some people do use their DAPs as DACs and I'm aware some DACs have line outs of very high quality, single-ended or balanced. Consider this if you're also set on getting a DAP. You might end up getting a DAP whose sound you like more than the DAC. 

 

[BRCMRGN]

  The iFi Micro iDSD fits all that except for the balanced connection. I'm assuming the LC's phase splitter should be of high quality but if you insist on balanced, there is the CLAS -dB but no coax/optical input as far as I know. Also, some people do use their DAPs as DACs and I'm aware some DACs have line outs of very high quality, single-ended or balanced. Consider this if you're also set on getting a DAP. You might end up getting a DAP whose sound you like more than the DAC. 

That's sensible advice. I already have more DAPs than I know what to do with. I will probably try several with the LC before I order a DAC.

 

[DigitalFreak]

I'm going to use that with the Liquid Carbon.  But I need to order a special RSA to Dual XLR interconnect, from Moon Audio most likely.  This is a great computer/iDevice DAC, but that's it...

You can get a cable on Amazon if ur in a hurry. If ur looking for a -db I'm selling mine an ill Include my cable
---------------------/
It's way over the OP price point but I've heard good things involving the chord 2Cute.

 

[pippen99]

At least at first I will go with the Gustard X12 as that is my current DAC.  If that doesn't pair well I'm thinking About the Schiit Gungnir.  I listened to a Gungnir/Mjolnir stack at the Music City meet and was impressed greatly.  $749 without USB, $849 with USB from the manufacturer.  Don't know if you can find it discounted anywhere.

 

[DigitalFreak]

  At least at first I will go with the Gustard X12 as that is my current DAC.  If that doesn't pair well I'm thinking About the Schiit Gungnir.  I listened to a Gungnir/Mjolnir stack at the Music City meet and was impressed greatly.  $749 without USB, $849 with USB from the manufacturer.  Don't know if you can find it discounted anywhere.

Usually Schiit gear goes pretty quick once it hits the FS forums. If ones vigilant enough they might get lucky. I've seen the Gungnir listed a couple of times.

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

  Usually Schiit gear goes pretty quick once it hits the FS forums. If ones vigilant enough they might get lucky. I've seen the Gungnir listed a couple of times.

 
Especially with the new Yggy hitting the market...

 

[rollinbr]

Here are a couple more, and both are under 600. 
 
http://matrix-digi-usa.com/mini-series/mini-i-pro
 
Review  http://www.head-fi.org/products/matrix-mini-i-pro/reviews/10548#comments-title 
 
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZDACV2
 
You can click on the reviews link to see past reviews of the Parasound Zdac and v2.
 
https://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zdac.php
 
 
 
 
 
Edit: added reviews link for Parasound Zdac v2 and Matrix mini-i-pro

 

[Poimandres]

Looking hard at the clas db as well. I almost picked up the X12 but ended up purchasing the centrance dacmini on MD.

I was also considering picking up the X5 again or maybe the pono.

 

[DigitalFreak]

HERE guys, I said to check out the sources section of Guru on the Carbon thread so I thought I'd post it in here too. Tons of DACs of various sizes and price point on that page. Its a really good resource for finding a DAC

 

[doctorjazz]

Believe the Pono can be used balanced out, seems like a good source.
Also getting LH Labs stuff, the Wave and the ViTube (someday), expect they should be great digital out sources...aside from all the grumping and griping about missing deadlines, endless upgrades, I don't believe I've read anything but praise about the SQ of the gear they've released. I have the Geek Out 1K and GO Special Edition the Special Edition is something Special all right, sound wise...

 

[amalgamist]

I think a good option would be the Matrix X-Sabre, and not just because I have one for sale 

 
I thoroughly enjoyed it more than the Emotiva DC-1, Schiit Uberfrost and Gungnir that it replaced, though some people say the Gungnir and X-Sabre and indistinguishable from one another I felt it was slightly more musical with better leading edge definition.
 
Here are some great reviews if you are unfamiliar with this unit:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/650686/matrix-x-sabre-dac-review-and-impression-thread
 
http://digitalaudiodirections.blogspot.com/2014/06/matrixx-sabre-dac-review-stunning-gem.html 
 
http://passionforsound.lachlanfennen.com/?p=886
 

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

Did anyone mention the Music Hall DAC25-3 yet?
 
http://www.moon-audio.com/music-hall-dac25-3.html

Moon Audion has it for $549 currently

 

[audiofrk]

this dac satisfies all but the balance requirement: http://brilliantzenaudio.com/da-convertors/nanomax-usb-dac/
 
Its basically a modded ifi nano, but it cost like $900 bucks.  When I heard it I though it was very smooth, dynamic, and had a very black background if you listen to dsd files you'd probably like. Its battery powered.  A few months latter I heard the regular nano and I like the mod better, but I used dsd files for the mod and ifi only had itunes aac for the nano.

 

[Jeff Y]

  I think a good option would be the Matrix X-Sabre, and not just because I have one for sale 

 
I thoroughly enjoyed it more than the Emotiva DC-1, Schiit Uberfrost and Gungnir that it replaced, though some people say the Gungnir and X-Sabre and indistinguishable from one another I felt it was slightly more musical with better leading edge definition.
 
Here are some great reviews if you are unfamiliar with this unit:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/650686/matrix-x-sabre-dac-review-and-impression-thread
 
http://digitalaudiodirections.blogspot.com/2014/06/matrixx-sabre-dac-review-stunning-gem.html 
 
http://passionforsound.lachlanfennen.com/?p=886
 

So you have three for sale I see? Really like that design.