[N15M0]

Hi I am currently looking for a DAC with usb input as I would be connecting it to my macbook pro. Currently I am about to get the stello DA100. Are there any better recommendation which is around the Stello price range? Thanks.

 

[sangel]

BENCHMARK MEDIA DAC1 usb....BEST

BEST

SANGEL

 

[N15M0]

But I think that the benchmark is way over my budget right. I am looking for something which is ard the same price as the Stello DA100. Thanks.

 

[gz76]

You can also use optical out with the MacBook Pro, as the headphone socket doubles as a 3.5mm optical port (in case you weren't aware). You don't even need to switch your output device in sounds.pref to use it - not that this matters too much, as I use USB and it auto-toggles between USB and on-board audio depending on whether it's available or not.

 

[MartinB]

The Headroom Micro DAC's are nice too. Neutral but not too analytical and pretty warm sounding.

 

[N15M0]

I am sorry but I never like headroom stuff. BTW is the Stello a good choice or are there better choices?

 

[Jono3642]

Stello is very highly regarded and a very popular dac around here, I haven't heard but did extensive research on it, always gets excellent reviews.

I personally bought the MHDT Paradisea, a non-os tube dac for $600, they are sold new on ebay. If you like a warm natural almost analog sound and very musical I would check that out, can't say how it compares to the DA100, except that I am very happy with the Paradisea. Voices sound like voices through the Paradisea -HD650, I always find with most dac's it may be hyper detailed but still sound artificial, the realism of Paradisea makes the music more emotive to me, so thats my two cents.

 

[N15M0]

Any other recommendation?

 

[d-cee]

Great march and Great March II

What's the price range?

 

[elnero]

Depending on your needs the upcoming Pico USB DAC/Amp combo from HeadAmp might be another option.

 

[labrat]

Deleted.

 

[N15M0]

I am actually looking for a desktop dac. I already have a GS-1. My system setup would be like Macbook Pro --> DAC --> GS-1 --> HD650. Budget wise would be around 700 region which the stello da100 falls under. Currently I am thinking about getting the Stello DA100. But I am open to other recommendations and hope that you guys here could recommend me something great within my budget. Thanks.

 

[mrarroyo]

How about the Paradisea USB or the iBasso D1?

 

[N15M0]

I am using the macbook pro which 3.5mm headphone jack double as a optical so I could use the optical out instead of the usb also right??

 

[Herandu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by N15M0 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am using the macbook pro which 3.5mm headphone jack double as a optical so I could use the optical out instead of the usb also right??

Right. I got two friends who use a TC-7510 with their MAC that way. Of course, with a lot more to spend on a DAC than the TC-7510 costs, you have a wider choice of options.