chesebert
18 Years An Extra-Hardcore Head-Fi'er
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- May 17, 2004
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Did you listen to one in person? Are you rack mounting these? If yes, I think Weiss comes in rack mount.
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"Emm Labs Dac2xv2 and Headamp GSX will leave your setup in the dust. The level of difference is one you simply cannot even comprehend.
low end -> entry level -> mid-fi -> hi-fi -> high end -> ultra high end.
Your setup is at low end...maybe entry level. There is nothing wrong with low end/entry level gear. Some people simply cannot hear the difference or don't care."
Too many low end/budget fi pretending to be mid fi at this price point, I would chase down a used Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac or Ayre USB dac or their CDP at this price point. There are many other choices I just haven't spent much time at this price point TBH.Any combos that can bring me to the mid to hi fi level and beyond for up to 1k? Specifically a combo that pairs excellent with the HD 800s?
They are pretty excited about the Weiss DAC501:
Later in the video they say that the 502 is just wider. But I see a XLR 4pin port also on the 502. If thats the only difference I am going for the small one.
There was a used 502 on Agon for $6500. Should have gotten that and forget about DAC for a decade. I think right around that $10k MSRP price, Weiss, Meitner, Linn and MSB would be my top picks. Weiss is probably the bargain at $10k with integrated streamer, digital EQ and bunch of other stuff.I do now know how your thread went from $2500 to $4500 and now you are talking about Weiss 501/502 which is way over $4500
Anyway, if it is with your budget, I will give the Weiss DAC my highest recommendation.
Just get it and forget about the rest.
And there is a newer 4ch version of Weiss 501/502.
What about a Chord Mojo 2?Holy cow Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac is still 2-3k range. I'm hoping for a reasonable mid to higher tear amp/dac setup for up to 1k. I suppose at that price point such a thing cannot be found?
Be patient. I have seen them go for $1k range. The good news is that this will delay your FOMO for a long time because any upgrade will likely be prohibitively expensive to you ($5k+ min) that you will have no choice but to settle down and enjoy your gearHoly cow Sonic Frontier SFD-2 dac is still 2-3k range. I'm hoping for a reasonable mid to higher tear amp/dac setup for up to 1k. I suppose at that price point such a thing cannot be found?
Good portable solution and can be a desktop replacement in a pinch. Chord's kilobucks solution is decent if you only buy new.What about a Chord Mojo 2?