[gkinberg]

Hello all,

I am looking for input regarding a new DAC for my system. My current system: Synology NAS/C.A.P.S audio PC/Benchmark DAC1 USB/Sonic Frontiers Line2/McIntosh 7106/SalK SongTower (first generation). I am working on getting a fully Balanced system. I am in the process of purchasing a Krell KAV250 amplifier.

What I need now is a fully balance DAC with at least one analog input, a USB input, at least two analog outputs and a volume control. The input requirements and volume are so that I can experiment with using the dac as a preamp feeding directly into the amp.  I would like to spend $1100 or less with a max of $1500 if an option seems very compelling. My two front runners are the Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC and the Benchmark DAC2. These two have everything that fits my needs and I can get used in my price range. Am I missing any other obvious offerings?

On a somewhat related note, my CAPS music PC is equipped with the S.O.t.M. PCI card (first generation). What is the maximum sampling rate that I can send to a DAC by USB from the SOtM PCI card? I ask because both of the new DAC’s that I am considering can play DSD files. I have no DSD files but I know that there are ways to upsample ”normal” files to DSD resolution and send to a DSD DAC.

If this is posted in the wrong circle, please feel free to move it.

I look forward to your comments, thanks, Garth

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would look for a used Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 DSDse.  They are going for about $1500 used.  Awesome sounding DAC.  Very dynamic and musical.  Extremely detailed and resolute with thunderous tight bass in my system.  A friend brought his over ( it has the femto clock upgrade) to try in my system.  Best DAC I have heard yetna built like a tank.

Here is a nice review-

http://www.audiostream.com/content/wyred-4-sound-dac-2-dsdse

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/wyred9/1.html

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1013/wyred_4_sound_dac_2_dsd_se.htm

[gkinberg]

I had disregarded the W4S 2. For some reason I thought the HT inputs were digital rather than analog. In addition, the Peachtree Grand Pre appears to be suitable for my purposes. Thank you for the W4S recommendation.

Garth