[Exediron]

Hey guys,

I haven't been around here for a while, but the need to upgrade has brought me back, with this question. My current system is:

Foobar2000 > EMU 0404 USB > Headamp GS-1 > Denon AH-D5000/Beyer DT770/250

I think that the way my system currently stands, my DAC is probably the weak link, so I've decided that I want to upgrade it. Mostly I'm looking for improvements in the realms of detail, seperation, and preferebly soundstage as well (although the soundstage may be more an issue with the headphones in question then the DAC).

My music preferences shouldn't be much of a mystery, but mostly I listen to Power Metal or older Heavy Metal. I don't listen to any newish metal. Sometimes I listen to rock.

As far as price range is concerned, I'm mostly looking in the range of between 1,000 and 1,500 USD, although obviously something better sounding for less money is good.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

 

[compuryan]

There are a LOT of really good DACs that fall into the $750-1500ish range. Some are better than others, but often it is just a different flavor of sound. Reading reviews of the products can help. Since you already have an SS amp, a "fast" or "bright" sounding DAC might not compliment it so well. Here are some DACs I think might compliment the GS-1 well:
Tube Audio Design TADAC
Bel Canto DAC3
Monarchy M24
Lavry DA10

Also if you are willing to buy used, often these DACs pop up on Audiogon or here for significantly less than retail. Keep an eye out.

 

[xTr3Me.aka.Chris]

does some1 also have a recomendation for DACs that cost below 300$?

greetings

 

[slwiser]

The new Lavry DA11.

 

[olblueyez]

Why USB?

 

[FallenAngel]

Do read the first post in my digital audio primer, there is no such thing as a "USB DAC", a DAC is a DAC. Some DACs accept USB input (which they convert to I2S or S/PDIF internally anyway), the technology does not change. You might learn a little about how things go together and might make a more educated purchase.

 

[paara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do read the first post in my digital audio primer, there is no such thing as a "USB DAC", a DAC is a DAC. Some DACs accept USB input (which they convert to I2S or S/PDIF internally anyway), the technology does not change. You might learn a little about how things go together and might make a more educated purchase.

Yes I think we all know that, but assigning a DAC the with the title "USB DAC" you know what the DAC will be used for. It is a handy way of shorting down "DAC with USB input"

So even though there is no such ting as a USB DAC I will use this abbreviation

in spite of it political wrongness

 

[paara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why USB?

My guess wil be: Computer witout a SPDIF/Toslink output

 

[olblueyez]

I just love my USB DAC, it sounds so nice, especially when I use the optical input of my USB DAC.

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paara /img/forum/go_quote.gif My guess wil be: Computer witout a SPDIF/Toslink output

Thanks but a guess from someone other than the OP is not much good is it?

 

[paara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exediron /img/forum/go_quote.gif As far as price range is concerned, I'm mostly looking in the range of between 1,000 and 1,500 USD, although obviously something better sounding for less money is good.

Lavry D10 or 11 (10 need a Trends UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter) 1100-1400$

Audio-gd DAC3se, DAC7/8 or REf 1 + their usb to coax converter 900-1500$

Mhdt havanna DAC 899$

CIAudio VDA•2 24 Bit Digital to Analog Converter + VAC•1 powesrsupply ???$
This will also requre the UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter

Benchmark DAC1 USB 1300$


These are all good DACs with UBS input (see what I did there angle)
I have been on the look out for a good dac in the 1000$ area fur some ttime now.
And those are the once I have found interesting

EDITED after obobskivich pointed out some unfortunate mistakes


By using a Trends UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter you can bacically use what ever DAC you want...

 

[paara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblueyez /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks but a guess from someone other than the OP is not much good is it?

Why do a carpenter need a hammer? I need to ask a carpenter once

(just to increase the high of my fall abit

) sorry, this was such a useless post.. (cant delete it though)

 

[lantice]

I recommend MiniDAC. It's really suitable for computer audio.

 

[olblueyez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paara /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why do a carpenter need a hammer? I need to ask a carpenter once (just to increase the high of my fall abit ) sorry, this was such a useless post.. (cant delete it though)

So he can build a tiny headphone port with an optical interface built right in. Surely you know there are a few people out there who dont know about using a mini optical with the headphone jack.

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paara /img/forum/go_quote.gif Lavry D10 or 11 (10 need a Trends UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter) 1100-1400$ Audio-gd DAC3se, DAC7/8 or REf 1 + their usb to coax converter 900-1500$ Mhdt havanna DAC 899$ CIAudio VDA•2 24 Bit Digital to Analog Converter + VAC•1 powesrsupply $599+XXX$ = ???$ Benchmark DAC1 1000$ These are all good DACs with UBS input (see what I did there angle) I have been on the look out for a good dac in the 1000$ area fur some ttime now. And those are the once I have found interesting

VDA2 doesn't require VAC1, and with VAC1 and VRX1 (for balanced output) its $750 ($199 for VAC1, and $149 for VRX1)

by the way, it doesn't accept USB , it accepts TOS and coax

neither does the DAC1, although the DAC1 USB (quite ironically) accepts USB, it retails for around $1300