What is the best buy under 600-700?

[papomaster]

Hey all!

This is yet another thread of the "which is best in.." kind, but I find them still valuable for those who want to settle their choices for further researches (using the search button, please

).
So,

which one has the best value between those choices? Please discuss their sonic attributes, especially if you have heard two or more of those side-byy-side. Bear in mind that the DACs come without a dedicated transport, so they would be used with a cheap dvd player as transport.

Used Benchmark DAC-1 non-usb (around 700-725$ on Agon)
Used Original Cd-2008 (never saw one on Agon, they go for new at 900$, so I assume around 700$ used)
Used Lavry DA-10 (around 600$)
Stello Da-100 (700$)
CeC 3300R (can be found for 490$ USD at audiocubes2.com, otherwise around 700$ retail)
Used Rega Apollo (around 750$)
Used Sony 555 series (between 500$ and 800$, depending on its condition)
Used Consonance Cd-120 (around 600$-700$)
Used Classé 0.3, 1.5, CDP-1 or CDP-10 (I'm quite fond of the look of those Quebec-built players, they usually go between 500$ and 900$ (for the CDP-10)

This is not an exhaustive list, if there are VERY GOOD buys I have forgotten, please let me know, however I would like to see how these player match up against each other as they are the ones I see the most on Agon. I would also like to know how the CEC mates against the older and more expensive players as it is the most recent design (except the Original and the Rega) and the less expensive by far if I buy it on audiocubes2.com. By the way, if someone has insights on how much the shipping costs would be to Canada, that would be great to set up a better estimate.

 

[kaushama]

Stello DA100!

 

[spacemanspliff]

Ori Zhalou

 

[n4k33n]

Get the new headroom ultra microdac. Its a killer box.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I really like the Rega CDPs and did enjoy brief listens to the Benchmark. However, I would add a few more rigs to your list.

About a year ago, I picked up a used Maranta SA8001. I have been happy with it every day I've owned it. I don't know if SACD interests you, but if it does, take a look.

Also consider the PreSonus Central Station. I preferred it to several other DACs I auditioned. Also, it is pro gear and should be found easily in Canada.

Third, any interest in vinyl? You could put together a fair system with that budget. A used Rega is easy to find and they're great. You'll be able to pick up junk store vinyl cheap, and I've had nothing but fun with vinyl.

 

[MrLA]

Quote:

Originally Posted by papomaster /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey all! This is yet another thread of the "which is best in.." kind, but I find them still valuable for those who want to settle their choices for further researches (using the search button, please ). So, which one has the best value between those choices? Please discuss their sonic attributes, especially if you have heard two or more of those side-byy-side. Bear in mind that the DACs come without a dedicated transport, so they would be used with a cheap dvd player as transport. Used Benchmark DAC-1 non-usb (around 700-725$ on Agon) Used Original Cd-2008 (never saw one on Agon, they go for new at 900$, so I assume around 700$ used) Used Lavry DA-10 (around 600$) Stello Da-100 (700$) CeC 3300R (can be found for 490$ USD at audiocubes2.com, otherwise around 700$ retail) Used Rega Apollo (around 750$) Used Sony 555 series (between 500$ and 800$, depending on its condition) Used Consonance Cd-120 (around 600$-700$) Used Classé 0.3, 1.5, CDP-1 or CDP-10 (I'm quite fond of the look of those Quebec-built players, they usually go between 500$ and 900$ (for the CDP-10) This is not an exhaustive list, if there are VERY GOOD buys I have forgotten, please let me know, however I would like to see how these player match up against each other as they are the ones I see the most on Agon. I would also like to know how the CEC mates against the older and more expensive players as it is the most recent design (except the Original and the Rega) and the less expensive by far if I buy it on audiocubes2.com. By the way, if someone has insights on how much the shipping costs would be to Canada, that would be great to set up a better estimate.

where can i buy a used Lavry DA10 for $600?

 

[MCC]

Stello DA100- I haven't heard it but mine's shipping tomorrow. This decision was the result of research starting in June, but the conclusions I came to are of course dependent on what I look for in audio and may not be pertinent to your listening preferences. To truly make the best decision you'll need to find impressions for each dac on the list and decide if each one sounds like the unit for you.

 

[papomaster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really like the Rega CDPs and did enjoy brief listens to the Benchmark. However, I would add a few more rigs to your list. About a year ago, I picked up a used Maranta SA8001. I have been happy with it every day I've owned it. I don't know if SACD interests you, but if it does, take a look. Also consider the PreSonus Central Station. I preferred it to several other DACs I auditioned. Also, it is pro gear and should be found easily in Canada. Third, any interest in vinyl? You could put together a fair system with that budget. A used Rega is easy to find and they're great. You'll be able to pick up junk store vinyl cheap, and I've had nothing but fun with vinyl.

As I am a student (and I'm doing lots of sport at competition levels), I don't have that much time and money to put on vynil (table, cartridge, arm, tools and cleaners) or multi-format players. Also, I listen mainly to modern rock so vynil and sacd are not my best choices. As my music preferences will gradually turn to classical and jazz (it slowly starts doing so, I'm beginning to build a basic jazz CD collection), I will get more and more interest in those two mediums, but the time has not come yet

.

Sorry, I didn't state my sonic preferences yet : I'd like something (for further considerations

) with good resolution, especially timbres and textures, as well as a very clean midrange. Bass should be flat but not emphasized (as my system is already fairly warm, maybe a bit too much so). I'm not so picky about treble, but some extended treble with good attack (not a mellow treble) would be appreciated.

 

[NC1111]

Which of those on the list has a warm signature like the Micro DAC?

 

[n4k33n]

^The new ultra microdac.

 

[SK138]

I am surprised no one mentioned VDA2. I had many DACs in the past and heard many more but I still like VDA2 under $1000 for using with Senn cans.

 

[Gradofan2]

The M24 on the For Sale Forums right now - is unquestionably the best DAC available in that price range. The reviewers consider it as good as the $17,000 Reimyo.

Grab it before it's gone! I would... but... I already have one.

 

[NC1111]

Does the ultra sound any better? It's hard to imagine better sound for something in the Micro's class.

 

[n4k33n]

Yeah, it sounds beautiful great, and is a big improvement over the microdac.

 

[NC1111]

Thanks, going to see about auditioning one.