[ProCast99]

Hi all:

I am looking to get a good-sounding DAC in the $250 - 500 range - any thoughts about what kind has gone well with Nightshade amps?

I know Blair does some computer type work - any special insights, Blair?

Thx!

[gooberdude]

I have the grant fidelity dac-11 paired with an NS-15 SET amp.  Works great.  Lots of inputs.

[Niteshade]

Look here: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UFO202-Audio-Interface/dp/B002GHBYZ0/ref=pd_cp_MI_1

A good place to start! I think they work extremely well.

[lokie]

This looks interesting. A little expensive but interesting.

http://www.halidedesign.com/dachd/

[InfernoSTi]

A Beresford DAC is a nice "entry" DAC that also includes a built in pre-amp (two sets of outputs, one fixed one variable) and a Class A headphone amp.  You get a lot of value from an entry level DAC and the sound quality is nice for the price.  There is one on Audiogon for $250 now (no affiliation).  I still use my Beresford in my second system. 

John

[navi]

This looks interesting. A little expensive but interesting.

http://www.halidedesign.com/dachd/

good idea! i like the simplicity of it- know any who has one?

[firedog]

The new MF V-DACII is a good one.

For $200 you can get the new Aune X-1, which has gotten some good reviews: http://shop2.hifidiy.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=106

[rollo]

 The Musical Fidelity V-Dac with Pangea power supply will knock your socks off. If can spend a bit more the MF M-1 will please you more. Real sleepers these DACs.
 Music Direct or Audio Advisor have a thirty day return policy. Check them out Ka Boom for the buck.

charles

[ProCast99]

Wow - you've given me a great start -- thanks everyone!

[gooberdude]

About a year ago I bought my first dac and spent $1K total because that's where the meat of the market was.  Lots to choose from, couldn't go wrong w/any of them (at that time).

Good & cheap dac's are plentiful & certainly a sign of the times.   

OP - you probably can't go wrong with any of the dacs listed.

[ProCast99]

Look here: http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UFO202-Audio-Interface/dp/B002GHBYZ0/ref=pd_cp_MI_1

A good place to start! I think they work extremely well.

Thanks Blair - your choices are always frugal!  This seems to be for transferring analogue to digital though -- would it function as a DAC if run in the opposite direction? Is it really that straightforward?

Seems kind of too good to believe...

[Niteshade]

This DAC goes both ways. You can play from the computer OR record to the computer with it. It even has a built in phono preamp that can be switched on. I have two of them and they work perfectly but never tried the phono preamp.

[kip_]

The Schiit BiFrost DAC has received very favorable reviews both here and on 6moons, and it's $349, and upgradeable as well.

http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=7

[doug s.]

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=103750.0

doug s.