[Fidel]

Hi all, I'm thinking about getting good DAC for my system. I am currently using a Meridian 508.20 as transport, but I wish to set up a PC system without a great compromise in SQ. Any recommendations for a good DAC? My top choices at the moment are DAC1 usb and Stello 220 (I ruled out the Lavry). USB is preferred but not a requirement. Anything else I should take into consideration? Budget is under 2k. Thanks~

 

[granodemostasa]

for the usb dac-1:
1. it has a pre-amp out, so you can use it with a power amp.
2. It has full 24/96K support for USB
3. It has more detail than the Stello MKII

for the stello MKII:
1. It is generally perceived to sound better.
2. It has more digital inputs and outputs.
3. Class A output stage, as oppose to opamps

 

[Fidel]

Thanks, granodemostasa. How do the two compare in terms of soundstage and imaging? I do admit that I am a soundstage/detail freak and I don't like the in-your-face kind of sound. The DAC1 might sound a bit lean and boring (I have only heard the first generation DAC1), but do you think this problem will be alleviated with a tube/warm ss amp? Thanks again.

 

[granodemostasa]

frankly, it's been a while since I compared the stello v. dac-1 and I only heard the new Dac-1 and MKII once..and not in the same system. here is the next best thing:
the DA100. v. old Dac-1 comparison is something like this:
1. old dac-1=more far back imaging, precise, dry sounding, and very detailed
2. DA100= engaging, warm, well textured, dynamic, upfront with a very wide soundstage.

 

[Jay B]

The Musical Fidelity X-DAC v8 might be something to consider. It has a tubed output stage and USB input. You can actually switch between tubed and SS output. It has been commented as being more musical than the DAC-1 but not quite as detailed.

 

[Jon L]

Consider PS Audio Digital Link III at MSRP $995. It has USB input that works well with ASIO4ALL, and I *think* I prefer it via USB vs. its spdif input. All class-A discrete output stage and balanced outputs, too. It's sounding REALLy good right now