[wdahm519]

Hi guys,
 
I've been a little bit out of the game for a bit but I really need some help looking for a DAC. 
 
Here's the system its going into:
 
SB Touch or SB Emulator (Squeezelite on a MacBook Pro) Digital Output --> (The DAC I need) --> EHHA Rev A or Bijou Amp (have both) --> HD800 and sometimes HE-500
 
I'm really hoping for an ES9018 DAC, 32bit would be nice, and I'm just completely lost with what to look for this year. I've been looking very closely at the Audio-gd NFB-1(2014), but I've read bad things about their implementation of their fully discrete components. I really need a DAC that is going to do well with the details, have glimmering highs, without making anything harsh.
 
I've got $650 to spend, so lets limit it to $680 and no more.
 
Inputs I want:
   - USB
   - Digital Coax
 
Outputs I want
   - RCA
   - Balanced XLR is a plus
 
Suggestions?
 
(And for all those who are concerned, I have done my searching, and that's why I'm here)
 
Thanks!

 

[Chodi]

  Hi guys,
 
I've been a little bit out of the game for a bit but I really need some help looking for a DAC. 
 
Here's the system its going into:
 
SB Touch or SB Emulator (Squeezelite on a MacBook Pro) Digital Output --> (The DAC I need) --> EHHA Rev A or Bijou Amp (have both) --> HD800 and sometimes HE-500
 
I'm really hoping for an ES9018 DAC, 32bit would be nice, and I'm just completely lost with what to look for this year. I've been looking very closely at the Audio-gd NFB-1(2014), but I've read bad things about their implementation of their fully discrete components. I really need a DAC that is going to do well with the details, have glimmering highs, without making anything harsh.
 
I've got $650 to spend, so lets limit it to $680 and no more.
 
Inputs I want:
   - USB
   - Digital Coax
 
Outputs I want
   - RCA
   - Balanced XLR is a plus
 
Suggestions?
 
(And for all those who are concerned, I have done my searching, and that's why I'm here)
 
Thanks!

The obvious choice for an additional $20 is the new Yulong D200 but it is the 9016 not the 9018. I don't know what you read about the analog section of the Audio-gd products, but they are very well regarded here on Headfi. In your price range they should be at the top of your list.

 

[TopQuark]

Looks like the Light Harmonics Geek Pulse X but you have to wait.  It's got dual 9018 DAC's too.