[Hoots]

Suggestions for a DAC?   One option is the Lite DAC60 w/Sonic Mods...are they coming out with something new that would make this older model less attractive? 

[ted_b]

You should also check out CC Poon's great underappreciated Monarchy M24 DAC.  PFO and Bound For Sound basically compare it favorably with DACs in the low five-figure range...and Monarchy sells it direct for $980....oh, and it includes a preamp.  CC tells me he has a brand new version that adds an SS DAC to the tubed one, for incredible flexibility, for an addtl $100.  Although not an upsampler, just add a $250 DIP 24/96 in front of it and you have 24/96 and very very low jitter.

[GHM]

I've not listened to this model. But  I did get a chance to hear a modified DAC 62 . Honestly I would take the $500 Paradisea over it any day of the week. Just more musical IMHO and a friends too. Even a $500 Bada Cd player out performed this Dac. The Bada sounded damn good!!!

[gooberdude]

What about Channel Islands DAC w/extra PSU and RAL umbilical?

The bundle costs about $850, leaving $ left over for a decent power cord or more cd's.

No affiliation and i haven't heard this combo...but CI's house sound with the extra PSU and RAL is
simply awesome IMO.

[fajimr]

You can pick up a Bel Canto DAC2 for 700 +/- on the used market but they go quick.  Its a wonderful musical DAC... haven't compared it to others but it worked magic in my system with a Esound CD5 (which is a bit analytic, IMHO)....

lots of options out there- synergy is important too 

jim

[Hoots]

w/regards to synergy....

I was also looking to get a tube pre-amp...something in the $1500 range like a used Dodd Ref Pre (which I tested) or Belles 21a w/auricap or Modwright.   I use a REVO pc card ASIO w/winamp or Foobar2000 plus I have a PT P1A upsampler w/SOCS for my REF 3 speakers.

[Danny Richie]

One option is the Lite DAC60 w/Sonic Mods...are they coming out with something new that would make this older model less attractive?

The current DAC-60 is offered with some basic mods that are considered the least costly way of taking it as far as possible. It's a best bang for the buck type of mod. With the basic Sonic Craft mods it is only $760.

I can get one down to you for you to try out if you like.

Jeff (Sonic Craft) is still working on a Super DAC version where we are seeing just how far it can be taken. We are still shooting for keeping the price of the Super DAC version to around $1,200.

Empirical Audio does a ton of DAC design work and mods. He has been working with the DAC-60 as well. I just shipped him another one today. He has been doing some very extensive mods to them and he feels like it is the best DAC that he has ever heard. With his mods I think it falls into the $3k range.

[zybar]

Empirical Audio does a ton of DAC design work and mods. He has been working with the DAC-60 as well. I just shipped him another one today. He has been doing some very extensive mods to them and he feels like it is the best DAC that he has ever heard. With his mods I think it falls into the $3k range.

Danny,

If you are referring to Steve's new dac (Spoiler) that is based on the DAC-60, below you can find the pricing and a link:

Spoiler Pricing, options and Warranty (shipping not included)

Spoiler with Siemens cca grey-plate tubes - MSRP $5999.00

Spoiler with Amperex 7308 White-Label tubes- MSRP $5699.00

Spoiler with Pace-Car inside - TBD when Pace Car is available

Optional I2S input, rear-panel switchable from USB - adds $300.00
(allows use of the Northstar I2S Transport)

Optional AES/EBU input - replaces S/PDIF input - adds $100

Optional BPS power supply and charger - $425.00

Warranty - 1 year parts and labor, 6 months on the vacuum tubes


http://www.empiricalaudio.com/frComputer_Audio.html#Spoiler%20USB%20Tube%20DAC

George

[Danny Richie]

I guess I was a little off on the 3k price point. It is obviously a little higher than I thought.

[vinny1]

HI All,

Even I am looking for a DAC in the same price range and one that came highly recommended was the Benchmark DAC 1..any idea how it compares to the above mentioned?

vinndr

[Danny Richie]

Even I am looking for a DAC in the same price range and one that came highly recommended was the Benchmark DAC 1..any idea how it compares to the above mentioned?

If you do a search in our forum you'll find several threads on it and a lot of feedback from customers. I think one of those customers was using a Benchmark DAC-1 prior to upgrading to the DAC-60.

If I recall I think the Steve (at Empirical Audio) said that his reference prior to the DAC-60 was his fully modded Benchmark DAC-1. So you might seek a comparison from him as well. He also has a forum here.