[khushy]

Quote:

would you mind going second hand? 
 
or maybe this:http://www.sakurasystems.com/products/47dac.html

worlds shortest signal path + 20 parts = $3850 - LOL!
 

 

[LjF]

More dacs I am considering
 

1. teddydac -- $1600 usd
2. pdx level 1 w usb - $2930 usd
3. Isabellina Pro dac  - $2500 usd (skylab piqued my interest with his review directly compared to the havana)

 

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif
the AE’s DAC was much better than the MHDT.

 
(but then he goes on to say the the havana/lyr combo is really awfully close the RWA)

Quote:​

I did do one last comparison, which also proved slightly troubling in its own way – I compared the AE to the MHDT Havana + Schiit Lyr.  The Havana + Lyr was really very, very good sounding with the LCD-2, and while not even close to as neutral as the AE, it was nonetheless very, very musically enjoying, and it’s $1,350 as a combo.  The AE is $3,950.  And while it was clearly better sounding, in that it was audibly more neutral and transparent, the Havana + Lyr is so good that it can and should give people pause in paying much more.  But such is the way in the wacky world of high-end audio – the returns are diminishing, but can be very meaningful - it all depends on your preferences and expectations.  I can appreciate the imrpvements that the AE offers over the MHDT/Schiit combo.  But for some, it may not be worth the difference.

 
 
I guess it's tough to beat a winner (the havana)...

 

[Dynobot]

Interesting that you have not included Audio-gd on your list....the teddydac and Audio-gd NFB-8 use the same Wolfson chips at the receiving end and for converting.

 
Quote:

More dacs I am considering
 

1. teddydac -- $1600 usd
2. pdx level 1 w usb - $2930 usd
3. Isabellina Pro dac  - $2500 usd (skylab piqued my interest with his review directly compared to the havana)

 
 
(but then he goes on to say the the havana/lyr combo is really awfully close the RWA)

Quote:​

 

[LjF]

Quote:

Interesting that you have not included Audio-gd on your list....
 

Audio-gd confuses me. In addition, I have no plans to go balanced. Is there an advantage to using a balanced dac with se cans and amp?

 

[Dynobot]

Quote:

Audio-gd confuses me. In addition, I have no plans to go balanced. Is there an advantage to using a balanced dac with se cans and amp?

Advantages is a subject that I will not venture into.....totally subjective[depends on the user].
 
No worries, you should be comfortable with your purchase, so continue to read and get a feel for the product you like best.
 

 

[customcoco]

so what's up ljf?

 

[LjF]

burnt out - taking a break for now, other concerns. etc. Still interested in the Metrum...