[mca]

After my EE DAC mod disaster, I have been without a DAC for the last 6 months or so. I have been using my  Logitech Touch which leaves a lot to be desired in the sound department. Money is tight right now due to having to write a fat check to the IRS 

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck in the $500 used range. My system right now consists of an Ayon Spirit III, Von Schweikert VR-33 and a Touch with digital mods and an Elpac power supply.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If you have something for sale that you think would be a good match, feel free to PM me.

[DaveC113]

Schiit Bifrost uber, $520 new w/ asynch 24/192 USB.

You can get a better deal on used DACs, but they won't have the latest technology...

[rodge827]

iFi iDAC ($425.0) is getting a lot of good press.

http://ifi-audio.com/en/iDAC.html

[jtwrace]

Easy. 

ODAC.  http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46

[avta]

Micromega Mydac. ~$360

[roscoeiii]

If you only need USB, I would go with a portable DAC you could Peter repurpose. Meridian Explorer would be my choice there. Or Dragonfly if you want super portability (I'd be afraid I would lose the thing).

[geowak]

Schiit Bifrost uber, $520 new w/ asynch 24/192 USB.

You can get a better deal on used DACs, but they won't have the latest technology...

I agree with Dave, I have this DAC (Schiit Bifrost Uber). But if you have a tighter budget go with the Schiit Audio Modi. (99$)

[wushuliu]

Audioquest Dragonfly, designed by Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio.

[OzarkTom]

iFi iDAC ($425.0) is getting a lot of good press.

http://ifi-audio.com/en/iDAC.html

I will second that choice. The designer Thorsten, is one of the ultimate tweksters and everything in the Micro live is an incredible best buy.

[jeffreyfranz]

After my EE DAC mod disaster, I have been without a DAC for the last 6 months or so. I have been using my  Logitech Touch which leaves a lot to be desired in the sound department. Money is tight right now due to having to write a fat check to the IRS 

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck in the $500 used range. My system right now consists of an Ayon Spirit III, Von Schweikert VR-33 and a Touch with digital mods and an Elpac power supply.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If you have something for sale that you think would be a good match, feel free to PM me.

Or,you could get the O2 DAC for, I think$200-300 new and supposed to be quite good.

[Chuckdog2005]

Peachtree Audio DAC - IT.

The most natural sound my ears have heard at anywhere near its modest price.

[rollo]

HRT Music streamer. Cheap sounds better than you think and easy to install.



charles

[Napalm]

Behringer DEQ2496 new @ $350. With $0.50 in "mods" it has the potential to become your permanent DAC.

[mboxler]

Unless the Touch has been modded, USB only DAC's would not work.

Am I missing something? 

Mike

[jeffreyfranz]

After my EE DAC mod disaster, I have been without a DAC for the last 6 months or so. I have been using my  Logitech Touch which leaves a lot to be desired in the sound department. Money is tight right now due to having to write a fat check to the IRS 

I'm looking for the best bang for the buck in the $500 used range. My system right now consists of an Ayon Spirit III, Von Schweikert VR-33 and a Touch with digital mods and an Elpac power supply.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. If you have something for sale that you think would be a good match, feel free to PM me.

Here is something that might work and cost very little.


http://www.head-fi.org/t/670297/custom-o2-odac-combo-plus-bonus-accessories-free-shipping-no-fees

[adydula]

You can get an ODAC for as little as $99....

http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=39

You would have to solder a mini-rca jack on it to use with cans...or RCA's.

I did this and its was easy, eventually put it in a case.

If your not into DIY you can get it all assembled in a nice case with or without RCA jacks for $150:

http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=46

I have 2 of them and they work wonderfully....

A steal for the price and performance.

A.

[wisnon]

iFi iDAC ($425.0) is getting a lot of good press.

http://ifi-audio.com/en/iDAC.html

Shouldnt this be $299?

The Phono amp is $399 and is the most expensive component they make.

[catastrofe]

This is what I would recommend:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Valab-NOS-USB-Re-Clock-DAC-Low-Jitter-Dual-1ppm-TCXO-/300655040106?hash=item46006fd66a

I've had mine for a few years.  I sold my MSB Signature DAC IV, and frankly, I'm not missing the MSB.  Feel free to post questions about its sound in the Gateway Audio Society circle.  I had a dozen guys over last Saturday and I'm sure they'd be happy to comment on the sound.

[srb]

Shouldnt this [iFi iDAC] be $299?

I assumed it was the iFi iDAC with the iUSB power supply, but that would be $299 + $199 = $498.  Maybe there's a $425 combo deal available somewhere?

Steve

[rodge827]

Shouldnt this be $299?

The Phono amp is $399 and is the most expensive component they make.

Yes the iDac is $299...should proof read better before I post. 

I assumed it was the iFi iDAC with the iUSB power supply, but that would be $299 + $199 = $498.  Maybe there's a $425 combo deal available somewhere?

Steve

No, not sure of any combo deals out there, just a screw up.   

I would contact a dealer... hey ya never know?

Chris