[Peter_S]

Hi All,

I am looking for a DAC/preamp with the following characteristics:

- Multiple inputs, preferably 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB – but could get away with 1,1,1.
- Analog input not necessary, but I’d welcome it if the shoe fit
- Balanced outs for direct driving of balanced amplifiers (Hypex NCore 400’s)
- Volume control that is flexible enough to be used with most any amp at most any volume level without losing information
- Preferably small footprint, but I can accept normal size too.
- Cost me < $2500 used or new

My plan is to purchase several used, maybe a couple on 30-day trial (e.g. Benchmark, NAD), and make a choice.  Here are the options I’ve compiled thus far, in order of decreasing familiarity and current (not fully informed) favor:

- Benchmark DAC2 (hybrid analog/digital volume control. Which version? They allow a 30-day trial)

- Graham Slee Majestic DAC/Preamp (also has analog input, uses Wolfson DAC, balanced outputs are ¼-inch, analog volume control)

- NAD C510 (not too expensive, 35-bit volume control, only one coax and one optical input, would also consider the M12 used – too expensive new)

- M2Tech Young DSD (has an analog volume control and adjustable gain, sufficient inputs, remote control, good price on Amazon, music direct sells with 60-day trial)

- Wyred4sound DAC2DSDSE with FEMTO clock (I have the original DAC2 and find that I’m operating the digital volume control at 30-40 out of 70.  I’ve read that some resolution is lost below 40, but I’m not sure.  This is a 32 bit DAC).

- PS Audio PerfectWave MKII (nice DAC but too much gain for my amps, have to use volume control below “50” (actually at 35) which means loss of digital information

- Bel Canto (which models?)

- Used older WADIA (which model?)

- Mytek stereo 192 DSD DAC (good features but ruled out because of loud thump on start-up)

- Cambridge 851D (Stereophile says Benchmark DAC2 is better sounding)

I’d appreciate any relevant input that could be offered on the above models, plus any other suggestions and why.

Thanks very much in advance, Peter

[mikeeastman]

I'm using an exaSound e22 dac with my modded NCore 400 sounds great and they have 30 day trial.

[JLM]

Was on a similar quest earlier this year.

I'd be leery of any older designs as DAC design has been improving rapidly.

Are you interested in DSD or DXD?

Why a combination unit?


Additional balanced DAC/pre suggestions:

Grace M920 ($1900, professional roots); Hegel HD-12 ($1400, organic sound); NuPrime DAC-10 ($1800, great performer/sleek); Oppo HA-1 ($1200, extreme value)


Also suggest looking at Schiit Gungnir  multi-bit DAC ($1249, no DSD/DXD) & Mjolnir 2 pre/headphone amp ($929, tube or solid state).  These can be stacked, would offer more flexibility, are balanced, and are upgradable.

[Peter_S]

Thanks JLM.  This is for a bedroom system that I want to keep really simple - for that reason a combination DAC/preamp. I don't think I need DSD/DXD, but maybe I would learn to use it if I had it.  For now, not a priority among others. Nor is the headphone component a priority, but if it can replace my Bottlehead Crack/Speedball amp (used with Sennheiser HD800's), I'd be fine with that.  It would have to be pretty darn good though!

I will look into your other suggestions.  There are actually a great many choices, eh?

[Vapor Audio]

The BMC PureDac fits your list of requirements as well.

[JackD]

As does the Nuprime DAC-10.

[konut]

 Anedio D2 DAC

Anedio D2 DACwww.anedio.com/index.php/product/d2_overview

[Maceo23]

I have an almost brand new Bel Canto DAC 2.5 that would fit the bill perfectly if you are interested.

[JLM]

For lower priced DAC/pre options consider these:

Emotiva DC-1 ($499, no DSD/DXD); NAD D1050 ($499, no DSD/DXD, no remote)

[srb]

NAD D1050 ($499, no DSD/DXD, no remote)

The volume control of the NAD D 1050 controls the headphone output only, the unbalanced and balanced audio outputs are fixed level.

[paul79]

The Auralic Vega would be the best in this range, IMO. Yes, it is a few years old, but is a really fantastic DAC that competes with anything under $10K.

[tabrink]

For lower priced DAC/pre options consider these:

Emotiva DC-1 ($499, no DSD/DXD); NAD D1050 ($499, no DSD/DXD, no remote)

JLM,
Not derail anything...
Curious if you get a loud thump from your DC-1?
My DC-1 started to thump upon start up shortly before it quit outputting any sound.

Thank you.

[asliarun]

There's also Audio-GD Master 11 at $2k - which is an integrated version of the Master 9 (fully balanced preamp) and the Master 7 (PCM1704 based R2R DAC). Both products are well reviewed but the Master 7 has quite a reputation. I haven't owned these products though.. but had earmarked them as a future upgrade option.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Master/Master-11/M11EN.htm

-arun

[JLM]

JLM,
Not derail anything...
Curious if you get a loud thump from your DC-1?
My DC-1 started to thump upon start up shortly before it quit outputting any sound.

Thank you.

No problems with the DC-1 (use it with a 2012 iMac via optical and 2014 MacBook Air via USB).  Getting used to the remote volume control (moves fast when held down, but have found that to be useful when system volume was left too high). 

[KLH007]

Another vote for the NuPrime DAC-10, just reviewed in TAS with glowing report, resistor ladder volume, analog in, small footprint, new is under your cost cap.

[mcgsxr]

I have an old Nuforce AVP-16, and I can tell you that the combination of balanced outputs and that ladder volume control make for a very transparent preamp.  I am using it exclusively as a 2 channel pre, in bypass mode.  From the few reviews out there in the world on this piece from 10 years ago, the volume control is very closely related to that of their P8 at the time.  I would imagine that the current NuPrime volume control is an evolution of it, and should make for a nice preamp.  The newer DAC tech no doubt will help too.

[mojave]

I use a MOTU 1248 which meets most of your requirements. It has 1 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 Thunderbolt, and 1 Ethernet input. It has 8 line inputs, 4 microphone inputs with phantom power (nice for measuring your room response), and two guitar inputs if you want to play over your speaker system with the music. Thunderbolt and Ethernet for audio playback is only supported for Mac at this time.

It also has two separate headphone amps with volume control for each and two sets of stereo outputs with volume control for each. It has a total of 12 balanced outputs so you can do active crossovers, add subwoofers, or use remaining outputs for a whole house audio system.

It requires the use of a computer to setup, but can work stand alone with all inputs routed to whatever outputs you desire. You can control with your phone or tablet including volume levels if you connect it to your router.

Volume control is done by the ESS Sabre32 chips.

You can buy it for around $1400 from Musicians Friend if you call and ask for the latest discount coupon.

[Peter_S]

The Auralic Vega sounds like a great unit, but I also read that its (purely digital) volume control is not so good at low levels.  I think I'll try the Nuprime DAC10 and the Benchmark DAC2, maybe a couple others....

[KLH007]

The Auralic Vega sounds like a great unit, but I also read that its (purely digital) volume control is not so good at low levels.  I think I'll try the Nuprime DAC10 and the Benchmark DAC2, maybe a couple others....

For a helpful dealer, contact Mark Sossa at;  http://www.wellpleasedav.com/home.html     He has the line on NuPrime products.

[Peter_S]

Thanks. I'm in touch with Mark. Will move forward.