[budyog]

This month's Stereophile has an enthusiastic review of the Bifrost, particularly with the "Uber Analog" upgrade, favoring it even over the Benchmark DAC 1 (which was originally an over $1K DAC) and the Wadia151 (which retails at $1300).  Parting words were to the effect that it was near the top in the sub $1K category, and "over the top" at it's price : i.e. the best sounding dac - and definitely the best built DAC - at it's price.  JA's technical analysis seemed to suggest that the new USB input might have the edge over the SPDIF, at least with respect to jitter rejection.....

I will have to try and check it out, if there is a link to the review, that would be nice!

A quick step in and step out....

Why no mention of the maverick D2 dac?
I ran my squeeze via USB to the mav's tube buffer with great results and considering its price, well...

While I do like tubes as my preamp is a AVA-T7 and my amp is a AVA 350er6 both tube hybrid and I would like to now stay built in the USA, but I am still reading. My cash comes next week, then I will be making my purchase!

[budyog]

The tale of two DACS!

http://www.stereophile.com/content/two-dacs-consideration

[jarcher]

The new "it" DAC seems to be the TEAC UD-501, but that almost double your budget @ $850 retail (some report getting it for +10% off of that, which should be do-able).  Aside from being apparently the cheapest DSD capable DAC (not so much a big deal for me as I don't have many DSD files), it's performance w/ PCM is also reported to be very good. 

If I were looking to get a new DAC, I'd want to hear the TEAC.  But likely by the time I'm in the market for one there will be something even better / cheaper : so it is with the DAC market.  I'm not crying though - these things just keep getting cheaper & better.

[budyog]

The new "it" DAC seems to be the TEAC UD-501, but that almost double your budget @ $850 retail (some report getting it for +10% off of that, which should be do-able).  Aside from being apparently the cheapest DSD capable DAC (not so much a big deal for me as I don't have many DSD files), it's performance w/ PCM is also reported to be very good. 

If I were looking to get a new DAC, I'd want to hear the TEAC.  But likely by the time I'm in the market for one there will be something even better / cheaper : so it is with the DAC market.  I'm not crying though - these things just keep getting cheaper & better.

Yep, over my budget and in the environment it will be in, I want as few buttons & dials as possible, my Mancave is a garage, doors open, near busy street city living, backyard fires, etc. A couple push buttons is really all I want, no more, and nobody looks/sees at my the equipment, under workbench, hard to see, don't need pretty!
I am still leaning towards the Bifrost, I like that it is upgradable and has few bells and whistles and specs and reviews are very good!

[geowak]

There are a great number of really good DACs on the market now. I have the Bifrost Uber and it's a great sounding "musical" DAC for the money. It is also designed by two guys who have been doing digital for a long time. They are working on a DSD model DAC that should be out soon. But for simplicity and Uber performace, the latest Bifrost will deliver. IMHO

Also to note- I have had a Benchmark USB DAC1 for some years now in another audio system. Also have a Rega Apollo Cd player and have had a Cambridge Audio Cd player. Both the Apollo and the Cambridge sound very similar with Wolson DAC chips. The Benchmark is a couple steps up when used as an external DAC. But surprisingly, the Bifrost sounds as good as the Benchmark. The Benchmark has been criticized for have a clinical sound, brutally honest. The Bifrost is more musical, more natural sounding to me. But I do like both. Jason at Schiit Audio stated that the Uber analog upgrade on the Bifrost brings it very close to the Gungnir in performance. FWIW

[budyog]

There are a great number of really good DACs on the market now. I have the Bifrost Uber and it's a great sounding "musical" DAC for the money. It is also designed by two guys who have been doing digital for a long time. They are working on a DSD model DAC that should be out soon. But for simplicity and Uber performace, the latest Bifrost will deliver. IMHO

Also to note- I have had a Benchmark USB DAC1 for some years now in another audio system. Also have a Rega Apollo Cd player and have had a Cambridge Audio Cd player. Both the Apollo and the Cambridge sound very similar with Wolson DAC chips. The Benchmark is a couple steps up when used as an external DAC. But surprisingly, the Bifrost sounds as good as the Benchmark. The Benchmark has been criticized for have a clinical sound, brutally honest. The Bifrost is more musical, more natural sounding to me. But I do like both. Jason at Schiit Audio stated that the Uber analog upgrade on the Bifrost brings it very close to the Gungnir in performance. FWIW

Pretty much convinced of the DAC that will be in my mail box by next weekend, so much that perfectly and hopefully fits my needs and wants! Read about a few others today and more about the Bifrost, and nothing bad about the Bifrost in the under $1K price point.