[kljash]

Hello,
 
I'm looking to buy a dac for my setup and would like some help in choosing one.
 
I'm currently using my Fiio X5, into my WA2, into my T1's.
 
Now that I have some money saved up for a dac, I have found it pretty hard to find a place to start. it seems like every thing has its share of praise/hate.
 
My budget is around 700 dollars. 
 
I guess my question is what dac would get me better sound then out of my X5/ what features to look for that I might want in the future.
 
Thanks for your time, I look forward to hearing peoples thoughts.
 
Some of the ones I've stumbled upon 
 
Arcam irdac
EE minimax dac
Audio M DAC 

 

[CJG888]

Audio-gd NFB-1?

 

[kljash]

is the 1s the same thing as the 1?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  is the 1s the same thing as the 1?

 
There seem to be minor difference and the newer NFB-1S ($525) is $125 cheaper then the NFB-1 ($650)
I'm trying figure out all the differences, but the the Audio-GD website is acting a little funny.

 

[fabio-fi]

Minimax Dac is not bad, it has room for improvement if you like to DIY. 

 

[PleasantSounds]

First of all, decide on the features you'd like it to have:
- what inputs do you need? USB only (i.e. if your source is a computer), or would you benefit from Toslink or Coax (CD players and TV sets often have these)? 
- what's the highest resolution of your files that you'd like to play natively? Mostly MP3, high res FLACs or DSD?
- what outputs should be provided? Just RCA or XLR as well (i.e. if you intend to go balanced)?
- portable or stationary?
- form factor? I.e. have you got room for 19" rack mountable box, or should it be something smaller?

 

[cel4145]

I have found it pretty hard to find a place to start. it seems like every thing has its share of praise/hate.

That's definitely true. Good expensive DACs have reached that level of transparency/accuracy where the differences are slight enough that it comes down to subjective opinions over fine differences where you might not even hear that difference.

 

[Sam21]

these are the best DAC chips(32 bit and high SNR) and the DACs that use them so
 
DAC chip/DAC
 
(1) ES9018/ Audio-GD makes DACs with this chip
 
(2) AK4399/Schiit Bifrost Uber
 
(3) PCM1795/ Musical Fidelity V90 and perhaps others ....

 

[kljash]

Bit on the nfb-1. A little over budget, but I'm very excited to hear how it sounds.

 

[cel4145]

Bit on the nfb-1. A little over budget, but I'm very excited to hear how it sounds.

Nice!!!