Stand alone DAC in the 2000-3000USD range

[elmoe]

I'm looking to upgrade from my Benchmark DAC-1 to a new stand alone DAC. I would need a DAC capable of upsampling to 192KHz with both Coaxial and Optical inputs.

What do you guys think are the best upgrades possible from the Benchmark DAC-1 to a more expensive stand alone DAC?

Opinions on CD players in the same price range (2000-3000USD) are also welcome if you think the sound quality is significantly better than that of the DAC-1.

Thanks in advance

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

What exactly are you looking for in your DAC?

Do you want a warmer sound?

I really don't know of any $2000-$3000 DAC's/CDP that are outright "better."

-Matt

 

[elmoe]

Hmm, thats my problem I cant find anythingoutright better even looking at units 3 times the price...

I just want a more refined sound all together, better everything pretty much.

Id like a DAC still fast and detailled, but musical, with better bloomier bass, and a wider soundstage. A CDP will do as well.

 

[Loftprojection]

If I was you I'd bring your DAC1 to an high end audio shop and audition a few CD players in that price range versus your DAC1. You don't say which headphone and amp you have so it's difficult to guess but in my opinion the differences will be apparent if you use a highend amplifier and highend speakers. If you have a <$500 pair of headphones and a portable amp, I'm not sure you will maximize your investment by changing the DAC1 which is already supposed to be a really good DAC.

Personally I have an Arcam CD23T that was retail around $2300 a few years ago. Combined with a $2000-3000 integrated amp and a $2000-3000 pair of speakers, I would not be surprised it would be a bit nicer than your DAC1 (well this is very taste dependant also). However, using "cheap" headphones and a portable amp, then I'm not so sure.

There are several CD players in your price range and all have their own personality. The Shanling CD-T100 has an incredible live sound that only tubes can give you. The Naim CD5i has a completely different sound that some almost faint when listening to and others don't like. The Audio Aero Prima is an hybrid tube/solid state cd player with incredible feedback from people who have heard it. And so on... My only advice would be that you absolutely need to go spend a few hours in a few high end audio stores to listen to different players. That's what I did and I am very glad I did because in that price range, many are very nice but there is one that will stand out and really meet your taste.

Have fun shopping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jashugan Hmm, thats my problem I cant find anythingoutright better even looking at units 3 times the price... I just want a more refined sound all together, better everything pretty much. Id like a DAC still fast and detailled, but musical, with better bloomier bass, and a wider soundstage. A CDP will do as well.

 

[woodcans]

With the mods EA did to my DAC1, I consider it significantly better than the stock unit. The soundstage is not necessarily wider or deeper, but it is more accurate and more focused. It is definitely faster and more detailed, but in a good way. It makes the music sound more like it's in your room rather than coming from your headphones. There is also much better instrumental seperation which is more distinct and natural. That's my 2 cents.

Edit: after mods, the price is within your listed range.

 

[Twombly]

Doesn't Levinson make a DAC in this price range?

 

[Ferbose]

Jashugan,
Forgive me for this stupid question: do you lift the safty ground of your DAC1? I think it brings audible sonic improvement and no safety hazard. I have been doing this for 6 months.
Another stupid question, do you convert XLR to RCA for output, using a custom adapter (very easy DIY) with pin 3 floated? In my experience XLR-to-RCA and stock RCA sound slightly different, and depending on downstream equiopent, I have preferred one or the other. Now for my K1000 system, I prefer XLR-to-RCA over the stock RCA output.

 

[kuma]

• Shigaraki DAC/Dumpy PS
•Audio Note DAC 2.1 or 3.1
• Poth Audio Baddymod Lite Dac-Ah

 

[Salt Peanuts]

How about a used Wadia 301 or 302? Here's a thread comparing 301 to Benchmark DAC1.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=121602

 

[elmoe]

Thanks to all your answers. I am currently using XLR outputs, but did not lift the safety ground, as I dont know how to do it, nor do I want to waste the little warranty ti,e I have left in case something breaks. My DAC-1 already had faulty RCA outputs which got real hot and distorted the sound when I first got it, and I had to send it back across the sea to get it repaired. Thanks to the warranty that was free although it took 3 weeks, I wouldn't want to pay for it the next time that happens.

My warranty however, runs out in october, and I will most certainly look it up then, if I can find some kind of tutorial.

Thanks for all the responses, I'll look everything up and try to audition what I can.

 

[Ferbose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jashugan Thanks to all your answers. I am currently using XLR outputs, but did not lift the safety ground, as I dont know how to do it, nor do I want to waste the little warranty ti,e I have left in case something breaks.

Lifting the safety ground is as easy as using a $3 adapter like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=205124
Or simply plug into an home AC outlet where the safety ground is not properly conected to real earth outside the house. Improper grounding is not uncommon in American homes, I was told. In countries like Taiwan there is no safety ground in residential buldings so we use these adapters all the time for our computers and such. Don't worry, Taiwanese companies manufacture a huge proportion of the world's computers so they know what they are doing.

 

[Gopher]

FWIW I think the Berendsen CDP-1 is a steal as far as digital rigs go. Theres limited information on it, but you can think of it as a Gamut CD-1 (stereophile class A for some time) on steroids.

I bought one to compare to my Meridian G08--2 days later I happily kicked the G08 to the curb and settled down with the Berendsen--super musical piece and cheap too ($2300 new)

Also, the Exemplar 3910 caught my attention at a semi-recent meet. Sounded to be pretty emotionally communicative with gear I'm familiar with, but my listening was too short to really recommend it. Definitely something else to try to auditon though.

 

[Teerawit]

Chord DAC64 comes to mind.

 

[elmoe]

Thanks Gopher, I will look the Berendsen up for sure. Sounds interesting.

About that safety ground - Basically I only have to remove the 'third metal branch of the cord' - is that correct? That leaves me with a cord with only 2 metal poles which I then normally plug in the plug?

If its only that then I can do it right away, I thought I had to modify the DAC itself, if its only the power cord I dont mind a bit.

 

[daba]

Have you looked into the Twindac+?

Can be had for ~$2000 USD.

A nice feature is the USB option for it.