Cheap DAC

CJ Paul · « **on:** 12 Apr 2006, 09:51 pm »

Are there any cheap DACs that I should consider along the lines of the LiteAudio DAC AH? I'm interested in a tube DAC, NOS DAC or both but will consider other options based on persuasive argument

Nick B · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 05:35 am »

This might be more than you want to spend, but you may want to check it out. The MHdt Paradesea is tube and goes for about $450 or so on eBay. Here's a link to a review by Scott Faller.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0406/mhdt_laboratory_dac.htm

rhart · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 01:04 pm »

I have a modified ART DI/O (with Stancor PS and belden DIY digital cable) for sale ($200):

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=27126).

Lots of enthusiastic reviews here on audiocircle and on audio asylum. It's every bit as good as the CI audio, Benchmark, Perpetual Tech DACs and, IMHO, almost as good as the ACK DAC.

CJ Paul · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 01:16 pm »

Thanks for the recommendations. I was kind of looking for retail recommendations because I'm not ready to buy yet. Maybe I'll start a thread or resurrect this one when I am. I know used provides a greater bang for the buck.

Folsom · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 02:19 pm »

I would build Peter Daniels, ok I plan to build one for myself... That or there are a few other nice design on the DIY forum floating around.

When they are finished for a few hundred invested you get the equivlant of a $900-1200 DAC.

jonwb · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 02:47 pm »

Quote from: Destroyer of Smiles.

I would build Peter Daniels, ok I plan to build one for myself... That or there are a few other nice design on the DIY forum floating around.

When they are finished for a few hundred invested you get the equivlant of a $900-1200 DAC.

You got a link for that DoS?

BrassEar · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 04:00 pm »

gary · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 05:27 pm »

Quote from: jonwb

You got a link for that DoS?

In the "Latest News" section at audiosector.com there's a link to a thread at diyaudio.com with information on how to buy. If I were looking for a low-cost dac this would be high on my list and so would a battery-powered MonicaII kit.

Gary

budyog · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 09:10 pm »

I have a 2 year old AVA Omegastar Topp-DAC "For Sale" for $500. It is in perfect condition and I am the original owner.

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/dac/omegastar_dac.htm

mark@marktwain · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 09:34 pm »

I would second the Peter Daniels DAC. I'm ordering one now myself.
Also the MHdt Paradesea I heard it at Scott Fallers and it sounds very nice. The Monica from diyparadise also gets rave revews.

Mark

GHM · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 10:01 pm »

I'll third the Audio Sector DAC. It is unlike any other DAC or CD player I've heard. If using a preamp or passive volume control keep the input impedance above 50K ohms..100k ohms would be better. This DAC uses Passive I/V conversion. It doesn't use op amps. So it is sensitive to the input impedance it feeds, the plus is a very natural sound without that op amp digititas some analog outputs give you.