Looking for DAC around $300

[bleeble]

I'm looking to buy a DAC for around $300. It'll be paired with HD-600s and a LD MKV, if that matters. These are the ones I've been eyeing so far:

Music Fidelity DACMagic
Audio-GD Compass

The only stipulation I can think of right now is that it has to have USB input. I'd like to keep things around $300, but I'll spend a bit more if there's a compelling reason. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[Nidhogg22]

You should take the Valab and the Beresford TC-7520 into consideration too.

 

[Shirukii]

I'm in the exact same boat as you, looking for a DAC in the $300-400 range. I had previously decided on the Compass but started looking at some alternatives like the DACMagic, V-Dac, Keces, etc. and began to waver. I'm even considering almost doubling my budget and trying to grab a Stello da100.

Hopefully someone will make a compelling case for a 350ish DAC here.

 

[.Sup]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeble /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm looking to buy a DAC for around $300. It'll be paired with HD-600s and a LD MKV, if that matters. These are the ones I've been eyeing so far: Music Fidelity DACMagic Audio-GD Compass The only stipulation I can think of right now is that it has to have USB input. I'd like to keep things around $300, but I'll spend a bit more if there's a compelling reason. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Cambridge audio DacMagic

 

[Alai]

Used Adcom GDA-600/700. You can even mod it to sound even better.

EDIT: Nvm. Didn't see USB stipulation.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Sup /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cambridge audio DacMagic

exactly what I was thinking

MF makes the V-DAC and X-DAC and some much more expensive stuff

why "HAS TO HAVE" USB?

 

[Shirukii]

Not to hijack your thread OP (if I am, tell me and I'll bow out and start my own) but any more recommendations in the 300-400 range that don't have to be USB?

 

[bleeble]

Woops. I was thinking of both the DACMagic and V-DAC and combined them into one.

I probably would have bought the DACMagic already, but no place is shipping it until June. I've been without music since November and I'm really itching to get something soon. The Valab is pretty tempting at the moment; I may pull the trigger on that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich /img/forum/go_quote.gif why "HAS TO HAVE" USB?

My source is a computer with no other digital output.

So, current list:

Compass - $312 shipped
TC-7520 - $250 shipped (currently out of stock)
V-DAC - $300 shipped
Valab - $200 shipped

Any more comments/suggestions?

EDIT: Maybe not the Valab... Apparently there are/were some issues with the caps.

 

[sachu]

Going to shamelessly plug my DAC here..cehck out the Scott Nixon USB DAC that I have for sale..Google around and read about others impressions and you will see why it is such a deal at 170

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeble /img/forum/go_quote.gif Woops. I was thinking of both the DACMagic and V-DAC and combined them into one. I probably would have bought the DACMagic already, but no place is shipping it until June. I've been without music since November and I'm really itching to get something soon. The Valab is pretty tempting at the moment; I may pull the trigger on that. My source is a computer with no other digital output. So, current list: Compass - $312 shipped TC-7520 - $250 shipped (currently out of stock) V-DAC - $300 shipped Valab - $200 shipped Any more comments/suggestions? EDIT: Maybe not the Valab... Apparently there are/were some issues with the caps.

and a soundcard is out of the question why?

 

[godbreath]

if you can wait another month, you should look out for the new little dot DAC. its $300 and is comparable to the DACmagic

 

[bleeble]

Hmmm, this is a huge topic. I've stumbled across the Moodlab Dice now too. I was fond of my previous Little Dot amp, so I'm going to have to look into their DAC as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich /img/forum/go_quote.gif and a soundcard is out of the question why?

It's a laptop. If I'm going to spend the money on a decent USB sound card, I might as well pony up for a good DAC so I can use it for other things in the future.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeble /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I'm going to spend the money on a decent USB sound card, I might as well pony up for a good DAC so I can use it for other things in the future.

could you be any more backwards in approach? a DAC is a simple point-to-point device, a soundcard offers you many features beyond "oh hi, I can convert sum 16/48 to analog!"

wtvr.
I'm out

 

[panda]

i have a nice one for sale within the listed budget if anyone is interested.
it's called rega io. very analog sound with no digital harshness. rich mids and powerful bass, very fun sound. other ones that try to sound smooth are too mushy sounding and lack detail. the analytical ones are dull and lifeless. where as the rega is a good balance.

here is a review:
Rega Jupiter and Io - 2 box CD Player hi-fi+ review

pm me for details.

 

[obobskivich]

theres an FS board for a reason