Stepping up my game. Need advice on DACS

ClefChef · « **Reply #20 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 01:20 am »

Quote from: charmerci on 28 Mar 2016, 11:16 pm

Did you try the Schiit? Because of all the ones mentioned - that would be of the most interest to me.

Yes, I tried the Schiit, with Uber upgrades - nice, but...

Syrah · « **Reply #21 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 02:33 am »

But what? I ask because a friend of mine is in the same predicament as you, so I'm following this thread. I suggested the Schiit to him based on reviews. Thanks.

Rocket · « **Reply #22 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 02:45 am »

Hi,

I see 4 Benchmark Dac 1's on audiogon for under $700USD at the moment. This is just one of them for sale.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-benchmark-dac-1-usb-2016-03-18-digital-94598-walnut-creek-ca

Cheers Rod

firedog · « **Reply #23 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 11:52 am »

the iFi are good choices.

sonicxtc · « **Reply #24 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 01:44 pm »

I'll chime in.

"Based on experience" = I've had one in my system.

Audio GD ---Based on experience. Likely will find used at/near price point. AG D 19 10t anniversary is near your price point and a lot of guys love it. It's an r2r dac.

ifi---Based on experience. Excellent bang for the buck, but get a clean power supply for best results, like the ipower because it uses usb as power source.

Parasound Zdac---Based on experience. An overachiever for sure and does not use the ubiquitous Sabre chip, which at the lower price point units "can" be a bit harsh.
New price is great. Used price is a steal. I wouldn't dismiss this one.

In general, lots of fans of ifi, Audio GD and Schiit.
If you don't need hirez, then Tranquility (db audio labs) used I've read is exceptional and the Enlightened Audio Design gear is outstanding. I owned a 7000 mk3. Analog-like. Used, in your budget.

Good luck!

Firejedi · « **Reply #25 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 02:37 pm »

I've been looking at iFi, but it seems like they sell a bunch of things that plug into each other. My dream of having music streamed to my good system is becoming a nightmare of confusion. I have so many questions. Its reduced me to feeling like a total newb in way over my head. I do a search for DACs and the first 20 I look at are at least $2k. I'm sorry, I just don't have that kind of money to spend. Not with 3 kids.

It would be nice if there was a circle dedicated to the person who has some money to spend, but not a truckload. The C & C section was great, but its also somewhat limited but he fact that the $1000 is for a complete system. I already have speakers. Maybe a circle about about equipment under a certain price per component.

All I know is that I have pretty much decided to buy a nice amp, but I am holding off until I figure out how I'm going to get the music to through that amp to my speakers. Sure, I could use my current blu-ray player to play my cd's, but is it worth it to have a great amp and a cheap cd player?

It seems to be an overwhelmingly bottomless pit of "if you have that, you're gonna need this."

I know I'm ranting, but as excited as I am to really start enjoying music, it still seems to be out foreach whether it be through lack of money, or simply lack of understanding the best way to go about it.

Don't get me wrong. I totally appreciate the time everyone has spent offering me ideas. And I promise, if you offered a suggestion, I researched it. I just feel like I've made very little progress for the hours I've spent.

Ok. Rant over. I feel better having vented. Time to press on.

Guy 13 · « **Reply #26 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 02:51 pm »

Firejedi,
sometimes I feel exactly like you.
Audio should be simple,
but look like it's becoming more and more complicated
unless you are an informatic guru.

Guy 13

avta · « **Reply #27 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 02:57 pm »

You might take a look at the Nuprime IDA 8. (http://www.nuprimeaudio.com/index.php/products/amplifiers-and-preamps/integrated-amps/ida-8.html ) It's an all-in-one unit you might say in that it contains an amp, preamp and dac. I have one. It's quite a bargain and provides very good sound in a small package.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #28 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 04:06 pm »

The Nuprime suggestion looks to be a good one, though I have not heard it yet.

I own a Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 that could work for you.

It has analog inputs (for your turntable assuming you have a phono preamp), has the requisite inputs as a DAC (coax, toslink and USB), IS a preamp (passive) and allows for tube swapping to keep the obsession going... I happen to really like the Voskhod (under $20 for singles).

I have owned it for getting on 18 months, and like it very much. Under your budget at $299 these days for demo units - http://shop.grantfidelity.com/Grant-Fidelity-TubeDAC-11-D-A-Converter.html

Is it the best DAC? Likely not THE best given your budget, but it is very good (I posted a thread about it vs a number of other budget DAC's I have owned) and should work to get you rolling along with your other excellent gear.

Worth considering.

Firejedi · « **Reply #29 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 04:12 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr on 29 Mar 2016, 04:06 pm

The Nuprime suggestion looks to be a good one, though I have not heard it yet.

I own a Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 that could work for you.

It has analog inputs (for your turntable assuming you have a phono preamp), has the requisite inputs as a DAC (coax, toslink and USB), IS a preamp (passive) and allows for tube swapping to keep the obsession going... I happen to really like the Voskhod (under $20 for singles).

I have owned it for getting on 18 months, and like it very much. Under your budget at $299 these days for demo units - http://shop.grantfidelity.com/Grant-Fidelity-TubeDAC-11-D-A-Converter.html

Is it the best DAC? Likely not THE best given your budget, but it is very good (I posted a thread about it vs a number of other budget DAC's I have owned) and should work to get you rolling along with your other excellent gear.

Worth considering.

I've seen that one before, but I need to give it a closer look. With my desire to be budget, friendly, I'm not expecting the best. I'm not even looking for the best. Since this will be my first, I have nothing to compare it to anyway.

I will check it out. I am hoping to test using my Integra DTR 30.1 as a pre-amp today. If that works, then I will not have to spend money on that.

Thanks

gnostalgick · « **Reply #30 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 06:04 pm »

Don't Panic.

I too sometimes wish there was a dedicated 'next step' circle for those of us that don't quite fit in the C&C limits. If your threads had been posted just a month earlier, I would have been watching them with interest; I may have hesitated, rethought everything (one more time) and even maybe made different purchases. That's not to say that I'm at all unhappy with the choices I did make.

That's the thing--its like shopping for cake. The people here can direct you to their favorite bakeries; tell you who does the best chocolate (subject to much debate, of course) & who the best buttercream. Assuming you stick to the flavors you know & like, and a budget you're comfortable with, you're going to be delighted. When it's in your mouth, you won't be worried anymore about if its the absolute best value, or if perhaps you really could have afforded a more upscale bakery; you're just going to ask for another slice.

Kirk

GentleBender · « **Reply #31 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 06:18 pm »

Quote from: Firejedi on 29 Mar 2016, 02:37 pm

I've been looking at iFi, but it seems like they sell a bunch of things that plug into each other. My dream of having music streamed to my good system is becoming a nightmare of confusion. I have so many questions. Its reduced me to feeling like a total newb in way over my head. I do a search for DACs and the first 20 I look at are at least $2k. I'm sorry, I just don't have that kind of money to spend. Not with 3 kids.

It would be nice if there was a circle dedicated to the person who has some money to spend, but not a truckload. The C & C section was great, but its also somewhat limited but he fact that the $1000 is for a complete system. I already have speakers. Maybe a circle about about equipment under a certain price per component.

All I know is that I have pretty much decided to buy a nice amp, but I am holding off until I figure out how I'm going to get the music to through that amp to my speakers. Sure, I could use my current blu-ray player to play my cd's, but is it worth it to have a great amp and a cheap cd player?

It seems to be an overwhelmingly bottomless pit of "if you have that, you're gonna need this."

I know I'm ranting, but as excited as I am to really start enjoying music, it still seems to be out foreach whether it be through lack of money, or simply lack of understanding the best way to go about it.

Don't get me wrong. I totally appreciate the time everyone has spent offering me ideas. And I promise, if you offered a suggestion, I researched it. I just feel like I've made very little progress for the hours I've spent.

Ok. Rant over. I feel better having vented. Time to press on.

I feel your frustration. After digging around here for information and tons of advice I decided to start on my turntable setup first. The sound of good vinyl is my go to, so I focused there first. Picked up the Odyssey Cyclops and Suspiro Phono stage and have been happily enjoying music since. Focus on your goals and go one step at a time.

brother love · « **Reply #32 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 07:04 pm »

OP,

It was mentioned earlier in your thread, but did you check out Cheap & Cheerful DAC's under $450?

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=102286.0

This reference coupled with other recommendations here show you can definitely get a good DAC for under your $500 budget. If you add in a Preamp with lots of inputs, then it gets more challenging. Mark mentioned here (as I did in your C & C thread) that the Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 for $299 is a good, economical swiss army knife choice for you (which can play with a Tube Out or Line Out if you prefer solid state sound). You don't get more cheap & cheerful than that!

If you can get the money, by all means spend a little more to get improved sound. Personally though, I think higher prices for DAC's are like higher prices for CD players, etc.. You hit a point of diminishing returns. If your budget gets you a DAC that is 80%-90% of the more pricier DAC's AND sounds way better than your existing sources, then you are golden in my book. Not to mention that technology-wise this stuff is advancing quickly (investing a lot in a DAC now that in a yr. or two can be bested by a cheaper version).

IMO part of your frustration & venting stems from you doing a crash course in "all things audiophile". Take things one step at a time, walk away & take an extended break when it gets too overwhelming, & have fun with it. I say enjoy the sonic journey at a more casual less intense manner.

Firejedi · « **Reply #33 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 07:30 pm »

So I think I've narrowed it down to the TubeDac-11 and the Peachtree DAC-ITx. They are both about the same price and seem to offer some good stuff. If anyone has experience with these, please share.

It could be fun to play around with the various outs of the TubeDAC, but I have also see that the Peachtree can pair well with Apple Tv. I imagine the Tube could too.

What do you think?

BTW, I am currently listening to my Integra as a preamp running with an NAD 955T that my neighbor had in his closet. Everything seems to be functioning properly. I can see an improvement having the amp as opposed to running the receiver.

OzarkTom · « **Reply #34 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 07:35 pm »

IFI is a best buy for the high SQ, but if you need a streamer, I would take a look at Auralic mini.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/02/audiophile-grade-streaming-with-the-auralic-aries-mini/

maty · « **Reply #35 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 08:26 pm »

-> http://www.integrahometheater.com/Products/model.php?m=DTR-30.1&class=Receiver&source=prodClass

Quote

Features

Discrete Output Stages for All Channels

Quote

Specs

Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz-20 kHz, FTC) 90W /Channel (8 Ω)

Signal to Noise Ratio 106 dB (LINE, IHF-A)

If I were you I will buy ONLY a new and good DAC with USB and... because the Integra is from 2009.

Maybe the NuPrime DAC-9, with the new AKM and good preamp too (the same of DAC-10).

-> http://www.nuprimeaudio.com/index.php/products/dacs-and-headphone-amps/home-audio-dacs/dac-9.html $749 (USD)

DAC-9

-> http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=138601.0

To the future you can build a new system with the DAC-9 and a new Power amp.

maty · « **Reply #36 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 08:31 pm »

If you do not play very good recordings (only the ugly commercial music) you can buy a DAC without preamp and only 24/192.

Henry Audio USB DAC 128 MKII

-> http://www.henryaudio.com/

USD 249.00 at home.

maty · « **Reply #37 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 08:33 pm »

After you can tweak/mod the Integra and update the speakers crossovers.

Step by step like me.

Firejedi · « **Reply #38 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 08:59 pm »

I just ordered an amp from Odyssey. The Integra will be functioning as a preamp, unless I find a DAC that can do it instead. I am currently leaning towards the Peachtree, but I am still open. I may be able to push the budget a little.

As far as ugly recordings, I will be playing cd's, but I am planning in getting my iTunes library connected and possible using Tidal. I like the idea of the better recordings. I own a couple Sheffield Lab and Chesky cd's and have learned to appreciate them.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #39 on:** 29 Mar 2016, 09:33 pm »

Which Peachtree are you looking at? What is your budget for a DAC and preamp? Do you need an analog input? Many of the DAC/preamp combo's under $1K do not have analog inputs.

I would consider going the used route for a DAC. There are plenty of nice DAC's for sale on Audiogon.

If you want an all in one preamp, DAC with 1 pair of analog inputs, there is a Benchmark DAC2 HGC for sale on Audigon

Here is a review on it-

http://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-dac2-hgc-da-processorheadphone-amplifier#eo76DBiQAfCiI7xJ.97

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-benchmark-media-systems-dac2-hgc-silver-dsd-24-192-dac-pre-amp-headphone-amp-2016-03-03-digital-94115-san-francisco-ca

By the way, I use a Grant Fidelity DAC-11 in a secondary system. It is good for what it is but it will be the weakest link in your system although it will probably be better than your Integra with an upgraded tube like a late 1950's or early 60's Telefunken 6DJ8 non A frame tube. The A frames are too in your face. The DAC section is old but is decent. It does lack some resolution. I would look else where.

The Schiit Multibit Bifrost is supposed to be a nice DAC for the money. I know a guy that has one in a system with a Pass X150.5 amp, ARC preamp and Magnepan 1.6's and he loves it.

I would not skimp on a DAC as it can really transform your system. And not all DAC's sound alike. I went through several DAC's before settling in with a Luxman DA-06 because of its slightly warm analog sound.