What is the best DAC around $1000?

[bubruelz]

The title sums it up. I have my eyes on a Benchmark DAC1, but am not sure. It seems to have a pretty good rep. Thanks.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ht=dac+%241000

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ht=dac+%241000

 

[bubruelz]

Much thanks, Salt Peanuts.

 

[immtbiker]

From my listening experience...I'd say:

The AcK Dak!...the Benchmark, and the Grace.

 

[morphie]

I've heard the Bel Canto DAC2 and the Benchmark DAC-1 - theyre both considered the best sub 1000USD DACs by people here. Personally I thought the Benchmark DAC-1 was the best of the two. I like a bright, fast and detailled source, the Bel Canto, tho beautifully musical, was a bit too smooth for my music tastes. I think you can't go wrong with either, as they both are very good DACs, but read some more reviews and try to audition them so you know what you're in for.

 

[n_maher]

You might consider Headroom's new Micro DAC - checkout this post for the official annoucement and some details. Of course no one knows how it sounds yet.

Just a thought.

Nate

 

[JMT]

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=118939

Snagging a Bel Canto DAC2 at the asking price is a heckuva deal.