DAC/Pre Recs

sts9fan · « **on:** 25 Jan 2013, 12:42 am »

I am looking for a DAC to replace my Pass X1. It must have pre functions such as volume and 1 Analog in.
I perfer a knob for the volume and remote is a plus. So far the list is:
Benchmak DAC2 HGC $2k new
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/dac/dac2-hgc (front runner)
Lynx Hilo
http://www.lynxstudio.com/product_detail.asp?i=59#

Antelope Zodiac + or Gold Used.

Wyred 4 Sound DAC2

The max I would even consider is $3k and $2-2.5K is more realistic at this time. Used is great.

ted_b · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 01:44 am »

Mytek Stereo 192 DSD is a great DAC for $1600 and includes one set of analog ins and remote volume. It is DSD-capable too. The best DACs, though, may not be very good preamps. The best remote volume (most musical and yet transparent) was the Antelope Gold I owned. Marvelous. Not too shabby a DAC either.

djtw · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 02:14 am »

If you don't need a remote and like to use headphones, the new Burson Conductor is very good for $1850 new.
There are many online stores that will give you a 30 day trial period, if you want to try one out. You do have to pay for return shipping, however.

Also, some DAC's have better USB interfaces than others, so it's important to decide what type of interface you want to use.

saisunil · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 02:17 am »

In my system the eximus DP1 sounded better than the gold and mytekdigital but mytek is the bang for the buck leader.

I hear that AMR777 takes the game even further ...

wisnon · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 05:44 am »

Quote from: ted_b on 25 Jan 2013, 01:44 am

Mytek Stereo 192 DSD is a great DAC for $1600 and includes one set of analog ins and remote volume. It is DSD-capable too. The best DACs, though, may not be very good preamps. The best remote volume (most musical and yet transparent) was the Antelope Gold I owned. Marvelous. Not too shabby a DAC either.

He would need the Voltikus PSU with the Gold and that would push him over the budget. I would suggest the Invicta, but that is $4K new and I dont see many on the used market. A Lampizator L4 with pre function would also be above his budget, even used.

The Hilo or the eXaSound may hit the spot....$2.5K and DSD capable.

sts9fan · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 02:24 pm »

Quote from: saisunil on 25 Jan 2013, 02:17 am

In my system the eximus DP1 sounded better than the gold and mytekdigital but mytek is the bang for the buck leader.

I hear that AMR777 takes the game even further ...

Those are both way over. I couldn't care less about DSD.
I think right now the Benchmark is the front runner. I have listened to the DAC1 a bunch and never been disappointed.

WC · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 02:53 pm »

Two other ones that are a little less expensive are the Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 at $350 or the Sound Devices USBPre2 for $850. Neither has a remote, but both can serve as preamps with volume control knobs and analog inputs.

ted_b · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 02:55 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 25 Jan 2013, 02:24 pm

Those are both way over. I couldn't care less about DSD.

Well at least you are appreciative of the recommendations!

The Mytek is well within budget, btw. And I wouldn't dismiss formats without hearing them.

Good luck with the B-mark.

TomS · « **Reply #8 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 03:46 pm »

Here ya go if it's still available. Brand new, great price http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=112720.msg1171512#msg1171512

sts9fan · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 03:56 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 25 Jan 2013, 02:55 pm

Well at least you are appreciative of the recommendations!

The Mytek is well within budget, btw. And I wouldn't dismiss formats without hearing them.

Good luck with the B-mark.

Why would I appreciate recs that are over my budget?
I am looking for things I may have never heard of in a range.
Should I look at dCS?
Thanks for the input guys! Happy listening.

avta · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 06:17 pm »

You might give the Anedio DAC2 a listen. I have their DAC1 and like it. They offer a 30 day free trial so you can get a feel for its sound in your system. www.anedio.com

Russtafarian · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 06:35 pm »

Quote

Here ya go if it's still available. Brand new, great price http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=112720.msg1171512#msg1171512

Nope. Just about the time I decided I wasn't liking it, it started sounding really good. It's a keeper!

I can understand why Benchmark (and other manufacturers) keep their trial period limited to 30 days, but it's not long enough for this DAC. It took nearly two months for it to start showing its potential. I'm pretty happy with it now.

Russ

Phil A · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Jan 2013, 08:52 pm »

I agree 30 days is too short for a trial. I understand that's why they limit the time, but if it is a new component one might not get enough time with it to fully break it in. That's often why I wait for some things to hit the used market. If you buy something good at a decent price and if it does not work out, it usually boils down to little money out of pocket it is needs to be sold.

wisnon · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Jan 2013, 06:03 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 25 Jan 2013, 03:56 pm

Why would I appreciate recs that are over my budget?
I am looking for things I may have never heard of in a range.
Should I look at dCS?
Thanks for the input guys! Happy listening.

Easy Bro!
The guy was just trying to help. Geez.
You dont want to dissaude people from offering their advice.

stereocilia · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Jan 2013, 11:56 pm »

Here's a new one for $449. It looks like the analog in is via 3.5 mm. http://amimuse.com/ami-musik-ddh-1/

stereocilia · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 12:20 am »

~~This might be more of a contender. BMC Pure DAC http://www.audiostream.com/content/bmc-pure-dac~~
Nevermind. I misread the description. I don't think it has an analog in.

srb · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 03:37 am »

Quote from: stereocilia on 27 Jan 2013, 11:56 pm

Here's a new one for $449. It looks like the analog in is via 3.5 mm. http://amimuse.com/ami-musik-ddh-1/

The AMI Muse analog input is to the 96KHz ADC, which may be OK if you're trying to digitize your analog source, but if you have an analog source whose sound you prefer to most digital, you may want a unit with an analog input that stays in the analog domain to preserve the sound.

Steve

jarcher · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 06:42 am »

Bel Canto 2.5 meets your requirements (analog input, preamp, volume knob) and goes for $2k new and probably $1300 used. I own a 1.5 and demoed vs Benchmark DAC1 and preferred the Bel Canto : smoother / classier sound. The Benchmark was just a bit too bright / analytical / aggressive. Not that the Bel Canto is warm - it's more at the benchmark end of the scale of DACs. It just seems to give you the detail while still sounding cleaner and smoother. I think Bel Canto pays more attention to the power supply side.

WC · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 Jan 2013, 02:35 pm »

Emotiva is going to be releasing their ProDac soon which has a volume control and an analog input. I think the cost was going to be around $700.

TRADERXFAN · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 Mar 2013, 01:56 am »

Have you looked at April Music Eximus DP1?
http://hifiheaven.net/store/Products/DACs-iPod-Docks-Digital-Audio-Players-USB-Converters/April-Music-EXIMUS-DP1

Right at top of price range but checks your boxes that I saw.

I heard this in their room at Axpona and I was impressed on quality of April Music now.

a bit here...
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/aprilmusic8/1.html

Tony