AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The Discless Circle => Topic started by: Wind Chaser on 21 Oct 2017, 07:35 pm
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I need a DAC that can act as a preamp with both single ended and XLRs outputs.
In view of the above, apart from the Nuprime DAC-10, what are my best options (new or used) in the range of $1500 - $2000?
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Mytek Brooklyn is getting some rave reviews and seems to have everything you have asked for.
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Exogal Comet Plus has single ended and XLR outputs. They play at the same time. The volume control is very nice.
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http://www.dailyaudiophile.com/ps-audio-stellar-gain-cell-dac-review/
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Listen to the Emotiva DC-1 before spending your big bucks. It is equal to many DACs that cost $1500 or more.
Unless you require DSD. The DC-1 won't decode it.
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My DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core does all that plus DSP and sounds better than my DC-1 (paid $450 show special). See my AC reviews of both. DC-1 seemed to be better built. Bought the DSPeaker from Underwood HiFi for $900.
Do check out AudioStream.com for several DAC/preamp reviews.
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I have the DC-1. It's great for its price and features. But SQ wise, you get what you pay for.
I'll recommend checking out the Crane Song Solaris. It doesn't have single ended outputs but it's been exceptionally well received. Jitter is something like half a picosecond.
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There is an Exogal on Audiogon right now for $1500 that's supposed to be great.
Regards, -dB
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musical paradise
http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=80
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While the MP-D2 is an excellent DAC, owned it for over a year, it's preamp outputs are single ended only and not up to the level of the DAC section. The Nuprime DAC-10 is a very good preamp on it's own with the DAC section being a bonus. I have used it in my second system for over a year and a half with Odyssey Lorelei's and now Spatial M3 TM's. During that time it has worked with SS, Tube and Class D amps with equal success. How much effort was put into the preamp sections of the other models mentioned I don't know. I'm not going to recommend units I have never used.
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While the MP-D2 is an excellent DAC, owned it for over a year, it's preamp outputs are single ended only and not up to the level of the DAC section. The Nuprime DAC-10 is a very good preamp on it's own with the DAC section being a bonus. I have used it in my second system for over a year and a half with Odyssey Lorelei's and now Spatial M3 TM's. During that time it has worked with SS, Tube and Class D amps with equal success. How much effort was put into the preamp sections of the other models mentioned I don't know. I'm not going to recommend units I have never used.
As a DAC, do you prefer the MP-D2 or the DAC-10? And can you comment on the sound differences between the two? I have considered both DACs but I think the primary determinant for many might be whether you need volume control built-in.....in which case I would assume the DAC-10 wins out on that.
Thanks, -dB
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DB
The MP DAC is in a different system than the DAC-10. The MP-D2 or alternately the Aqua La Voce are in the main system with the PS Audio BHK Preamp and Amp with Nola Speakers. This system requires only a DAC. To compare them would have to be from memory only as they have never been together in the same system. I have owned multiple ESS based DAC's over the past several years and find the one in the DAC-10 to be the most neutral of the bunch. I credit this to the quality of the input buffer and the preamp section in the DAC-10. In the same system sits the Oppo Sonica which can function as a DAC, digital preamp and streamer. It has more emphasis on the frequency extremes. I always use the DAC-10 as the preamp but alternate between the two for DAC duties. The MP-D2 is pretty different to me in terms of basic voicing starting with the two different chip manufacturers. Plus you can tailor it's sound somewhat with different tube and cap combinations. It just has that fuller tube signature that you can within reason adjust. If you made me chose just one as a DAC only I would chose the MP-D2, but if you need a quality preamp section too the DAC-10 wins hands down and will not disappoint as a DAC either.
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DAC/Network Streamer plus an upgrade path via Modwright:
https://www.oppodigital.com/sonica-dac/sonica-dac-Overview.aspx
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JackD
You mentioned the Oppo Sonica DAC in passing. Would seem to fit the Windy's bill perfectly for only $799 USD. Other than emphasizing frequency extremes what other impressions do you have of it?
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Stereophile just reviewed the Benchmark DAC3 HGC (with headphone amp), or the DAC3 L (without headphone amp). I subscribe to Sphile and this review certainly read a little different than other reviews by the Sphile group. Jim Austin is a bit more grounded in reality and described it well. The review should be on the web soon perhaps early November.
In the measurements section it performed better than any unit I have read to date including the Vega (perhaps equaling the DCSstack $$$$). The serious downside imho is it is limited to DSD64, which might be a no go for me (my current dac only accepts DSD 256).
Of course subjectively, Austin was smitten. But here is the kicker. He was extremely fastidious about level matching, using the same cables, setup, music, etc...and compared to the DAC1 which he has, he heard NO difference. Neither did his 19 year old son or his friend he called over.
They have a 30 day return policy.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/reviews/dac3-review-jim-austin-stereophile
Best,
Anand.
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JackD
You mentioned the Oppo Sonica DAC in passing. Would seem to fit the Windy's bill perfectly for only $799 USD. Other than emphasizing frequency extremes what other impressions do you have of it?
Must be pretty favourable since he alternates between it and the DAC-10. The only obvious downside to the Sonica is it doesn't come with a remote.
Too bad the preamp outputs are only single ended and not on par with the DAC on the MP D2, otherwise it would be an easy choice.
I'm fine with the Nuprime DAC-10; the only problem is I paid for one back in early August and all I'm getting is a song and dance from my dealer as to when it will arrive.
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Regardless of the DAC one ends up buying, be prepared for its value to drop precipitously if new. With the current turnaround in the DAC market down to 6mos - 1yr for new chips/designs/components, whatever you get now is going to be considered old news by next year. DACs imo have the highest depreciation in hi-fi. I would not buy new unless to demo or very inexpensive - and there are a glut of options in the used market (e.g. A 2015 Chord Hugo just sold for half its retail cost).
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For the price especially, the Sonica is a first rate DAC and streamer combination. Would not be my choice as a primary system preamp. In all aspects the DAC-10 is superior in that regard. My swapping between the two only involves the DAC section. The preamp section is always the DAC-10. Since OPPO has the 30 day money back guarantee you can order one and try it.
As to your DAC-10, didn't realize there was a shortage. Might want to contact Jason and see what the problem is or change dealers. AA has them in stock with free shipping that usually is two to three days.
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I recently purchased a PS Audio Directstream Jr., which will replace my Exogal Comet plus. Both are excellent as DAC's and preamps, but I do prefer the Directstream. In the past I have always preferred a high quality preamp in line, but these 2 units are the first 2 DAC's that make me question that. Both are highly recommended.
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As to your DAC-10, didn't realize there was a shortage. Might want to contact Jason and see what the problem is or change dealers. AA has them in stock with free shipping that usually is two to three days.
I'm betting it's more of a BS dealer/distributor problem. They did offer me a great deal, however after 2 months of waiting with still no certain date for delivery, I think it's time to move on and consider alternatives.
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I wouldn't let dealer crap discourage me from trying the DAC-10. I suspect the "great deal" was not that simple. They may not really have access. Shouldn't be that hard to get a discount from list from any dealer. There is one on Agon now for $950.
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Regardless of the DAC one ends up buying, be prepared for its value to drop precipitously if new. With the current turnaround in the DAC market down to 6mos - 1yr for new chips/designs/components, whatever you get now is going to be considered old news by next year. DACs imo have the highest depreciation in hi-fi. I would not buy new unless to demo or very inexpensive - and there are a glut of options in the used market (e.g. A 2015 Chord Hugo just sold for half its retail cost).
An excellent point. My own Vega didn’t sell for more than 1/3 rd the original retail value.
Best,
Anand.
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An excellent point. My own Vega didn’t sell for more than 1/3 rd the original retail value.
Best,
Anand.
And that's my #1 reason for not combining DAC and preamp. But it hasn't stopped me from doing it 2 of the last 3 times. :roll:
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An excellent point. My own Vega didn’t sell for more than 1/3 rd the original retail value.
Best,
Anand.
Unfortunately Auralic dropped the retail price on the unit a good $700 a year or so ago, which didn't help resale prices.
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Regardless of the DAC one ends up buying, be prepared for its value to drop precipitously if new. With the current turnaround in the DAC market down to 6mos - 1yr for new chips/designs/components, whatever you get now is going to be considered old news by next year. DACs imo have the highest depreciation in hi-fi. I would not buy new unless to demo or very inexpensive - and there are a glut of options in the used market (e.g. A 2015 Chord Hugo just sold for half its retail cost).
Well not all DAC's. I bought the AQUA Formula as it is modular uses no chip and updates are either new plug in boards or computer uploads.
charles
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Regardless of the DAC one ends up buying, be prepared for its value to drop precipitously if new...
This is a non issue. DACs like are essentially computers. And everyone knows computers depreciate fast.
All computers regardless of form, be it a DAC or digital camera or a smart phone, tablet etc... they all have two things in common; they are computers, and thus by nature they depreciate fast.
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Guys,
Thanks for all the suggestions. I just got confirmation that my DAC-10 has been shipped. :thumb:
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This is a non issue. DACs like are essentially computers. And everyone knows computers depreciate fast.
All computers regardless of form, be it a DAC or digital camera or a smart phone, tablet etc... they all have two things in common; they are computers, and thus by nature they depreciate fast.
M'kay.
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Guys,
Thanks for all the suggestions. I just got confirmation that my DAC-10 has been shipped. :thumb:
Great news. Penny for your thoughts......once you've had a chance to let it break in.
-dB
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For what its worth, here is a chart I did out of curiosity. It is the Stereophile rankings of DACs from 2015-2017 Recommended Components lists. The numbers on Y-axis correspond to ratings: A+=6, A= 5, ...E=1. The dollar amounts on the bottom are for Stereophile given new List price. I cut-off the DACs at $15,000 because they skew the range of the chart. I used Stereophile because they are one of the few ratings sources. I guess I could also use the Darko list if I have time.
The A+ at $2000 is the Benchmark DAC2 HGC.
A rated < $2000: Aurender Flow, Benchmark DAC1 HDR, Cambridge Azur 851D, Hallide USB-S, M2Tech Young DSD, Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, Mytek Brooklyn & Stereo 192-DSD-DAC.
Perhaps, a place to start for those also considering DACs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170330)
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For what its worth, here is a chart I did out of curiosity. It is the Stereophile rankings of DACs from 2015-2017 Recommended Components lists. The numbers on Y-axis correspond to ratings: A+=6, A= 5, ...E=1. The dollar amounts on the bottom are for Stereophile given new List price. I cut-off the DACs at $15,000 because they skew the range of the chart. I used Stereophile because they are one of the few ratings sources. I guess I could also use the Darko list if I have time.
The A+ at $2000 is the Benchmark DAC2 HGC.
A rated < $2000: Aurender Flow, Benchmark DAC1 HDR, Cambridge Azur 851D, Hallide USB-S, M2Tech Young DSD, Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, Mytek Brooklyn & Stereo 192-DSD-DAC.
Perhaps, a place to start for those also considering DACs.
How cool of you to do this... Thank you!
Could there be a numeric key to see which Dac is which?
JD
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Great news. Penny for your thoughts......once you've had a chance to let it break in.
I'm making several changes all at once; new DAC, amps, cables etc so it will be hard to isolate the virtues of any one component. Hopefully there is good synergy between all the various pieces.
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How cool of you to do this... Thank you!
Could there be a numeric key to see which Dac is which?
JD
Here is my constructed raw data.
Note, lots of A+ & A ratings. Not so many below that.
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Sorry, forgot to upload the file.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170353)
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Here ya' go. :thumb:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170353&size=huge)
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For what its worth, here is a chart I did out of curiosity. It is the Stereophile rankings of DACs from 2015-2017 Recommended Components lists. The numbers on Y-axis correspond to ratings: A+=6, A= 5, ...E=1. The dollar amounts on the bottom are for Stereophile given new List price. I cut-off the DACs at $15,000 because they skew the range of the chart. I used Stereophile because they are one of the few ratings sources. I guess I could also use the Darko list if I have time.
The A+ at $2000 is the Benchmark DAC2 HGC.
A rated < $2000: Aurender Flow, Benchmark DAC1 HDR, Cambridge Azur 851D, Hallide USB-S, M2Tech Young DSD, Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, Mytek Brooklyn & Stereo 192-DSD-DAC.
Perhaps, a place to start for those also considering DACs.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=170330)
I need you to teach my 19 year son old College Math. I am having a tough time with that !This is GR8 except how many extra melody notes can I hear from the very expensive DAC's which are basically Computer crunching machines. Do they also throw of some pixie dust
Cheers !
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A couple of sort of off the wall suggestions:
Ayre Codex ($1800, small footprint, includes limited preamp features and headphone output)
Chord 2Qute ($1300, especially good with Redbook, uses custom FGPA chip)
Metrum Musette ($1400, NOS/no digital filter/2R2 design)
Schiit Gungnir Multi-Bit ($1250, 2R2 design, upgradable, tried it but it "ruined" 30% of my CDs)
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A couple of sort of off the wall suggestions:
Ayre Codex ($1800, small footprint, includes limited preamp features and headphone output)
That's the one I was leaning towards
Chord 2Qute ($1300, especially good with Redbook, uses custom FGPA chip)
This was the first one on my list before I realized I wanted an integrated DAC/preamp.
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Just pulled the trigger on a Benchmark DAC3 L. Should arrive next Wednesday. I currently use an Eastern Electric mini max with Dexa op amps and no Tube. Can't wait. Will give impressions next week :D
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Just pulled the trigger on a Benchmark DAC3 L. Should arrive next Wednesday. I currently use an Eastern Electric mini max with Dexa op amps and no Tube. Can't wait. Will give impressions next week :D
Congrats, David! :thumb:
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Just pulled the trigger on a Benchmark DAC3 L. Should arrive next Wednesday. I currently use an Eastern Electric mini max with Dexa op amps and no Tube. Can't wait. Will give impressions next week :D
It might require more time that that to settle into DAC duty. :wink:
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Whilst I do heed the advice from wind chaser on run in time, I feel compelled to comment on my initial thoughts after receiving it today............... The Benchmark DAC3L sounds stunning and kicks my older DAC to the curb big time. Lower noise, much better headroom and much more clarity and soundstage. Benchmark has a 30 day return policy and in my mind it could be 30 minutes. Sound right out of the box is stunning and a huge
improvement over my old DAC which has been modded with Dexa op amps. Will report more later but could not be more pleased with it. Give the DAC3L a look and a listen. My wife even thought it was a significant improvement which is unusual for her to comment. Best audio purchase I have made in a long time. Heard it first at RMAF 2017
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Whilst I do heed the advice from wind chaser on run in time, I feel compelled to comment on my initial thoughts after receiving it today............... The Benchmark DAC3L sounds stunning and kicks my older DAC to the curb big time. Lower noise, much better headroom and much more clarity and soundstage. Benchmark has a 30 day return policy and in my mind it could be 30 minutes. Sound right out of the box is stunning and a huge
improvement over my old DAC which has been modded with Dexa op amps. Will report more later but could not be more pleased with it. Give the DAC3L a look and a listen. My wife even thought it was a significant improvement which is unusual for her to comment. Best audio purchase I have made in a long time. Heard it first at RMAF 2017
Do you know if the lack of headphone amp is the only difference between the L and HGC? I'm thinking DAC3 also, but don't need headphone amp. Just don't want to lose any other features or functions. Thanks
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I believe the headphone amp is the only difference. There is another model DX, I believe, and I think it has a headphone amp as well. Give Benchmark a call, they were very helpful on options etc of the models. BTW the DAC3L manual is also the manual for the DAC3 HGC so I think other features are the same
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I believe the headphone amp is the only difference. There is another model DX, I believe, and I think it has a headphone amp as well. Give Benchmark a call, they were very helpful on options etc of the models. BTW the DAC3L manual is also the manual for the DAC3 HGC so I think other features are the same
Thanks, I did email Benchmark support and they confirmed what you say. HGC and L are identical except for the headphone amp. I also asked about the HT pass through as it wasn't clear to me, even reading the manual, if I could have analog input from my HT pre/pro (RCA) and output via balanced XLR to the amp or whether the HT function only works through the RCA outs. They confirmed that it works through both balanced and unbalanced outs.
So, I think a DAC3 L is in my future!
.......Peter
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https://www.audiothesis.com/incanto
The North Star Design Incanto meets your requirements. It implements the ES9016 chipset and makes it sound as good as anything out there using the same chip. The difference is that this implementation is VERY holographic and it is not dry like most other Sabre-based DAC's.
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A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L.............. After a couple of weeks in service I can't think of a better addition to my system. Very well built and it adds so much compared to my old DAC. My wife describes it as "you can now hear so many layers in the music that we did not hear before". The floor noise is extremely low if there at all, great dynamic range. The improvement sounds just as substantial on my old red book material as it does on hires music. You can look at my system in my profile for associated gear. Wide sound stage, loads of detail and very musical (believe this is due to the 2nd and 3rd harmonic special circuit), not clinical. I could not be more pleased. I have not tried it yet as a DAC/pre just as a DAC. Next up will be to remove my Nuforce P9 pre from the loop and see how it performs as a DAC/pre. I looked long and hard for a new DAC and landed a jewel. Strongly suggest you give it a try (30 day return if not satisfied but I mentioned earlier it only took 30 min to know it was a keeper).
BTW the Benchmark folks on the phone are very knowledgeable, customer oriented and helpful. 5 yr warranty if you register the DAC on-line with Benchmark.
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A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L.............. After a couple of weeks in service I can't think of a better addition to my system. Very well built and it adds so much compared to my old DAC. My wife describes it as "you can now hear so many layers in the music that we did not hear before". The floor noise is extremely low if there at all, great dynamic range. The improvement sounds just as substantial on my old red book material as it does on hires music. You can look at my system in my profile for associated gear. Wide sound stage, loads of detail and very musical (believe this is due to the 2nd and 3rd harmonic special circuit), not clinical. I could not be more pleased. I have not tried it yet as a DAC/pre just as a DAC. Next up will be to remove my Nuforce P9 pre from the loop and see how it performs as a DAC/pre. I looked long and hard for a new DAC and landed a jewel. Strongly suggest you give it a try (30 day return if not satisfied but I mentioned earlier it only took 30 min to know it was a keeper).
BTW the Benchmark folks on the phone are very knowledgeable, customer oriented and helpful. 5 yr warranty if you register the DAC on-line with Benchmark.
Hey David, that is encouraging to hear! I received my DAC3-L yesterday and hope to connect it tonight. It is replacing a Cambridge Audio Azur 851 DAC, which is already superlative. I plan to first connect it "in place" with my existing system. Fed by source and feeding an Audio-gd HE-1 pre by XLR. I will try without the pre later (to connect directly to First Watt J2 by XLR). I first want to get a sense comparing apples to apples.
Benchmark strongly recommends using the DAC3 as pre connected directly to amp for lowest noise. We shall see.
Are you connecting to your pre with RCA or XLR? If XLR, did you change the jumpers? I changed mine to -10db for starters since they say it is shipped with XLR outs best set for studio. For most home users they recommend -10 or -20. If you are connecting with RCA, this doesn't apply.
I'm surprised at how compact it is. My CA Azur 851N is about four times its size so it will be nice to shrink down a bit, particularly since I am all separates (source, DSP, DAC, pre, amp).
......Peter
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Nice addition Peter!
Let us know how the new Dac3 compares to the Cambridge 851 - that is a comparison I would be interested to hear as the 851 is no slouch!
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Nice addition Peter!
Let us know how the new Dac3 compares to the Cambridge 851 - that is a comparison I would be interested to hear as the 851 is no slouch!
From everything I'm reading, the DAC3 shouldn't disappoint. My 851N is the streamer/DAC combo. I've moved to an Auralic Aries and don't use the streamer portion of the 851 any longer. The other motivation is that I have been using a switch to choose between preamps, either an Onkyo pre/pro for home theater or the Audio-gd for stereo. It's a good quality manual switch from DECWare, but still.... It is RCA only and adds more to the chain. With the DAC3, I will be able to use its HT bypass to eliminate the switch and connect the DAC to pre or amp with XLR instead of RCA. But wait, there's more.... to switch from video to stereo after watching with my wife, I no longer have to get up to turn the knob, which really interrupts to mood! It will be switched with the remote now. So sound quality isn't my only motivation! But it better sound at lease as good!! Stereophile reviewed them both and, if I am recalling correctly, the 851D was class A and the DAC3 class A+.
........Peter
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A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L.............. After a couple of weeks in service I can't think of a better addition to my system. Very well built and it adds so much compared to my old DAC. My wife describes it as "you can now hear so many layers in the music that we did not hear before". The floor noise is extremely low if there at all, great dynamic range. The improvement sounds just as substantial on my old red book material as it does on hires music. Wide sound stage, loads of detail and very musical ... not clinical. I could not be more pleased. I have not tried it yet as a DAC/pre just as a DAC.
Not to steal your thunder, but I could literally write the above about the Nuprime DAC-10. Granted the DAC it replaced was old, but sonically it compared very well against a Lampizator Level 3, which as a well respected DAC in its time. One of the reasons, actually it was a very big reason why I chose the DAC-10 was because of the built in integrated preamp. Whether I go balanced or single ended, low level gain or high level gain, this thing is absolutely dead quiet even when I turn up to 11 on my fairly efficient speakers. I’m extremely impressed with this DAC and how well it pairs with my mono-blocks.
I should also add the build quality is much better than what I’d expect at this price point.
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I don't see any Soekris models listed.
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Wind Chaser....... No thunder stolen and I'm glad you are enjoying the DAC10!!!!
Peter, I use RCA from the DAC3 L to my preamp. Also something I learned after reading the manual for the DAC3 if you're not using it as a preamp as well, press and Hold the mute button on the remote, the red light on the unit will flash and the DAC volume knob will move and reset itself to about the 3 o'clock position or 2 v output, Benchmark said to do this if you use a preamp or HT pass thru. I called Benchmark to ask what position I should have the DAC volume knob in as I was playing with the DAC volume and my pre volume. Now that it is set using the remote I only use the preamp volume for control. I plan on switching to use as a preamp as well after Thanksgiving when I will have a chance to do some critical listening. Enjoy your new toy!!!!
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Wind Chaser....... No thunder stolen and I'm glad you are enjoying the DAC10!!!!
Peter, I use RCA from the DAC3 L to my preamp. Also something I learned after reading the manual for the DAC3 if you're not using it as a preamp as well, press and Hold the mute button on the remote, the red light on the unit will flash and the DAC volume knob will move and reset itself to about the 3 o'clock position or 2 v output, Benchmark said to do this if you use a preamp or HT pass thru. I called Benchmark to ask what position I should have the DAC volume knob in as I was playing with the DAC volume and my pre volume. Now that it is set using the remote I only use the preamp volume for control. I plan on switching to use as a preamp as well after Thanksgiving when I will have a chance to do some critical listening. Enjoy your new toy!!!!
Maybe we should start a dedicated DAC3 thread. Care to start it copying over your 10/31 post when you received it and the "A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L" post from yesterday? I will copy over my comments following those. I don't want to clutter up this "which DAC" thread with minutia about one. If you prefer not, I'll start it with my own mini review.
.....Peter
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Peter, good idea to start a Benchmark DAC3 thread. We can also sent a link to Benchmark as well. I'll let you know how the preamp connection goes in a couple of weeks. Enjoy your new DAC and I hope you like it a much as I do mine. BTW have a great Thanksgiving and remember to be thankful for all of your blessings including a killer DAC
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I will start it but it will be in a couple weeks
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Peter, good idea to start a Benchmark DAC3 thread. We can also sent a link to Benchmark as well. I'll let you know how the preamp connection goes in a couple of weeks. Enjoy your new DAC and I hope you like it a much as I do mine. BTW have a great Thanksgiving and remember to be thankful for all of your blessings including a killer DAC
Thanks. I start it tonight then to get it going. General impressions are positive, though I learned to live with changes for a bit before reaching conclusions. Hearing is such a fickle sense!
.....Peter
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Fickle and your ear has essentially no memory so there you go. That's one reason I rely on my wife who not into stereo gear at all but has great hearing and a strong opinion. There are other realms that that does not exploited to.
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http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php? Pick your DAC chip. :) (http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/image/cache/data/amp/MP-D2_01-1024x683.jpg)
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http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php? Pick your DAC chip. :)
I considered the MP D2 but apparently the preamp isn’t all that great. Also don’t believe it comes with a remote, which is another deal breaker.
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Nope has neither, just a great DAC but I would stick with the chip manufacturer that the input buffer was designed for.
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Yeah, I don’t think every chip would benefit with a one size fits all implementation.
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Maybe... but its the way it sounds that counts. Somebody on another forum now has both the 4490 and the 4497, so his impressions will be interesting.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/musical-paradise-m2-d2-ak4490-balanced-dac-reviews.802557/page-15
:duh: I overlooked the required preamp function. Actually, it would be very easy to replace the inexpensive volume control with a quality stepped attenuator. Hmm... you'd still have to add output control functions, oh well.
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No problem with substituting the 4497 for the 4490 as they are from the same series. It's the substitution of the ESS chip that would cause me pause. No way the AKM input buffer could be the same.
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Well one thing for sure is there are a lot of great choices when it comes to DACs. It almost seems you can hardly go wrong with anything currently available as long as it has the features you need :thumb:.
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Maybe we should start a dedicated DAC3 thread. Care to start it copying over your 10/31 post when you received it and the "A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L" post from yesterday? I will copy over my comments following those. I don't want to clutter up this "which DAC" thread with minutia about one. If you prefer not, I'll start it with my own mini review.
.....Peter
Ok, got it started. If anyone is particularly interested in the Benchmark DAC3, here's a thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=153836
.........Peter