DAC recommendations? -Toshlink/AESEBU in, XLR balanced outs.

Sintz · « **on:** 16 Dec 2005, 03:14 pm »

I recently purchased a Behringer DEQ2496 and although very pleased with the results, I'm currently using the DEQs onboard DAC and believe I can do better.

The Behringer has a Toshlink and AES/EBU (Digital XLR) outputs.
I'm looking for recommendations on DACs (new or used) in the sub $350-500 price range that have XLR analog outs (the DEQ is connected to my Parasound Halo P3 using the XLR Direct connections).

Before using the Behringer, I was using the single-ended output from my Denon player with good results (has Burr-Brown HDCD DACs).

I'll admit I don't have any experience with DACs, but would consider anything at this point. Tube or -FET based... doesn't matter. I don't think I can be too selective within this price range, so would consider anything on the warmer side of neutral, if compromises are required.

Recommendations?

Thanks so much!

Marbles · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Dec 2005, 03:18 pm »

I'd look at Danny Richies (GR Research) new line of DAC's...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22942

Sintz · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Dec 2005, 03:59 pm »

Quote from: Marbles

I'd look at Danny Richies (GR Research) new line of DAC's...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=22942

Thanks, marbles.
I checked out his site and see moderately priced DAC, but none appear to have XLR outputs.
I've sent him a note requesting information on the availability of XLR analog outs.

Any other recommendations?

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Dec 2005, 04:03 pm »

regarding the Dac 60, "The back of the unit is also the same as the DAC-72 with fiber optic and coaxial inputs. There is an IEC connector to allow use of any power cable. There is even a section on the back panel for balanced outputs (XLR) to be added if one wished to do so."

http://www.gr-research.com/components/lite_dacs.htm

chadh · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Dec 2005, 04:09 pm »

Or, if you were interested in collecting even more equipment, you could get a DAC with XLR inputs and output, and get a Monarchy DIP that accepts the toslink input and has an XLR output.

Chad

chadh · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Dec 2005, 04:11 pm »

Wait...that didn't make any sense. I get all my connectors mixed up.

Sorry

Chad

Pinco Pallino · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Dec 2005, 04:26 pm »

Are you sure your parasound has balanced inputs? Often, amps feature xlr inputs but shunt them and continue unbalanced. Look inside or try to get the schematic.

Sintz · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Dec 2005, 04:22 am »

Quote from: Pinco Pallino

Are you sure your parasound has balanced inputs? Often, amps feature xlr inputs but shunt them and continue unbalanced. Look inside or try to get the schematic.

Pretty sure. It has both XLR ins/outs and forces a bypass of the tone controls when using them. I do notice a lower noise floor using them, so regardless of if they're shunted or not (don't believe so), it's noticably more quiet.

webnick · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 06:28 am »

Hey, Sintz, if I understand your query (not familiar with your equipment), Adcom makes various DACS, the GDA-700 of which, has XLR outputs and accepts a variety of inputs including Toslink (it even processes HDCD). I have two of them and they sound very good.

bluemeteor · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 Jun 2006, 11:53 pm »

You may also want to try the Lite DAC 68 or the Lite DAC 38. Both of these have XLR outputs and AES/EBU digital inputs. You can get a review of the Lite DAC 38 on humble-fi - http://www.humble-fi.com

ryno · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 01:56 am »

RAM has mods for the DEQ2496.

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com

Modding you're behringer and using it's dac could be an option. Fewer components, fewer cables, ballanced outs.
I've never used RAM, but I might mod mine when I get a few other things done. I'd love to hear opinions on what this sounds like.
Ryan