Best sub $600 DAC to use with both an Oppo 981 dvd player and SB3

slow_down · « **on:** 5 Aug 2007, 01:59 pm »

Just ordered my first ever "audiophile-grade" amp/preamp setup and am still sorting out my source situation. One possibility: SB3 and Oppo 981 DVD player, plugged into a DAC then into my preamp.

The SB3 would be the primary source for music, and the Oppo primarily for watching DVD's and occasionally listening to a CD. Are there any good DAC's with at least 2 inputs that would mate well with both of these sources for under $600 or so? What about 3 inputs? Then I could also throw my HD-cable television box into the mix! Thanks.

FYI I'm a complete newbie, and while I understand the basic concepts behind most of what I read on this website, must admit I feel a little bit like a college student who accidentally walked into Chemistry 401 instead of 201 (or even 101!)

audio-heaven · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Aug 2007, 03:30 pm »

For $600 you could get your Squeezebox modified by Bolder Cable, if music is your primary choice then this would be very hard to beat on your budget, but of course this would leave your DVD player out of the loop.

The DAC's in your price range that I can think of and would be worth a try are the Channel Islands Audio 24 bit DAC it only has 2 inputs though:
here http://www.ciaudio.com/
Lots about it here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=33883.0

Or the Paradisea non-os dac only available through e-bay I believe also only 2 inputs:
http://cgi.ebay.com/TDA1545A-Non-OS-TUBE-DAC-Paradisea_W0QQitemZ120148224772QQihZ002QQcategoryZ14978QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Review here:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0406/mhdt_laboratory_dac.htm

Under your budget the non-os Monica DAC has been getting some good reviews only 1 input!:
http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=7
Some customer reviews here:
http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=reviews

Over your budget at $799 is the Perpetual Technologies upsampling P3a DAC has the 3 inputs you're after:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=2.1
Loads of reviews on this DAC just google it and lot's should come up, I have owned this DAC and it is very good although getting a little long in the tooth now.

I hope this helps

slow_down · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Aug 2007, 04:49 pm »

Cool. Gives me a lot to look over. Have considered getting the analog mod but it looks like I could have synergy problems with my preamp/amp. Now I'm thinking about the digital only mod, but seeing as how I'll need a DAC anyway, would be more likely to put off modding for awhile and give myself a chance to get used to the DAC first.

Seems like 99% of DAC's have 2 inputs or less, which is no big deal. The channel islands one in particular has caught my interest. Anyway, thanks for the ideas!

NewBuyer · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Aug 2007, 03:41 am »

Don't forget the MHDT Labs Constantine DAC. I personally think it is the best sounding of all their offerings (and it has no vacuum tube to maintain/swap/etc either). They are offered on ebay too, save vendor of course.

DavidS · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 01:26 am »

I have read in the past that a moderate priced dac will have very minimal impact on the squeezebox. Not sure where the line is that the dac will have a compareable improvement as mods but thinking $1,000 + Not sure what the experience with latest dac technology.

FredT300B · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 02:09 am »

Here's the link to an ongoing review of several budget priced DAC's the owner has been using with his Squeezebox:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=41189.0

Levi · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 02:12 am »

I would say try an Altman Dac. I heard the Alman Dac with Oppo dvd player and it sounded good. We compared the sound of the Alman dac vs Oppo's onboard dac and the Altman dac is far superior in transparency, palpability and musicality. I don't know how much an Altman dac, i think is below $1K. So Cheers!

- Levi

Levi · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 02:15 am »

Here is the thread about the Altman Attraction DAC

gooberdude · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 02:47 am »

www.tubeaudiodesign.com Paul has a cool looking tube DAC for $600.

kenk · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 04:03 am »

Quote from: gooberdude on 8 Aug 2007, 02:47 am

www.tubeaudiodesign.com Paul has a cool looking tube DAC for $600.

wow check out those clone B&W 805 speakers under tubeaudiodesign.com

NealH · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 11:02 am »

Tubeaudiodesign does not offer a trial for their Dac. In addition, you are to expect minor cosmetic flaws in their their products.

Not sure he has a lot of confidence in his product.

Verdict: Look elsewhere, not worth the risk.

Turnandcough · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Aug 2007, 01:52 pm »

I'm using a Paradisea(Bendix 6385) with SB3(linear PS) and Oppo DV-980H and am very happy with the results. The advantage on an external DAC as opposed to a Bolder mod is that you can use your DAC for multiple sources. I even have my STB going through a cheap "always on" Beresford DAC. It adds detail and helps smooth out the digital sound.
Not sure how much it will improve on my present sound but, in addition to the Paradisea, I'm also considering the Bolder digital mod for my SB3.

low.pfile · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 05:23 am »

What did you decide on for a DAC SlowDown?

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 05:45 am »

Do not forget this DAC which audiophiles have talked long about and it costs not less than $600 but it worth the money you spend.

http://studioforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/694106689/m/6611090261

slow_down · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 01:11 pm »

Quote from: low.pfile on 23 Aug 2007, 05:23 am

What did you decide on for a DAC SlowDown?

I decided to slow down

My amp preamp and speakers won't be delivered until the end of the month, and I just ordered the SB3 this morning. I'm gonna take things one step at a time, and try the SB3 and Oppo plugged directly into my preamp for at least a month. I want to let my system break in and get real familiar with how it sounds without an external dac. I may even forego a dac and do the Bolder analog mods on the SB3 instead. Don't know yet. But definitely not rushing into any more purchases for at least a month or two!

audio-heaven · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 01:36 pm »

A very wise decision

I hope all goes well and you achieve the sound you're after with or without a DAC.

I will be getting my Squeezebox 3 modded by Wayne at Bolder as soon as funds allow.

Have fun cheers

tdangelo · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 02:06 pm »

Quote from: rnhood on 8 Aug 2007, 11:02 am

Tubeaudiodesign does not offer a trial for their Dac. In addition, you are to expect minor cosmetic flaws in their their products.

Not sure he has a lot of confidence in his product.

Verdict: Look elsewhere, not worth the risk.

TAD is now offering a 21 day trial with a $45 restocking fee if returned. I should be getting one tomorrow. I'll post on my impressions. It is a little over the $600 limit though at $699...

Tony

low.pfile · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Aug 2007, 09:33 pm »

Quote from: slow_down on 23 Aug 2007, 01:11 pm

I decided to slow down My amp preamp and speakers won't be delivered until the end of the month, and I just ordered the SB3 this morning. I'm gonna take things one step at a time, and try the SB3 and Oppo plugged directly into my preamp for at least a month. I want to let my system break in and get real familiar with how it sounds without an external dac. I may even forego a dac and do the Bolder analog mods on the SB3 instead. Don't know yet. But definitely not rushing into any more purchases for at least a month or two!

Sounds like a good plan.

enjoy your music. ~ed

tdangelo · « **Reply #18 on:** 31 Aug 2007, 02:41 pm »

Quote from: tdangelo on 23 Aug 2007, 02:06 pm

Quote from: rnhood on 8 Aug 2007, 11:02 am
Tubeaudiodesign does not offer a trial for their Dac. In addition, you are to expect minor cosmetic flaws in their their products.

Not sure he has a lot of confidence in his product.

Verdict: Look elsewhere, not worth the risk.

TAD is now offering a 21 day trial with a $45 restocking fee if returned. I should be getting one tomorrow. I'll post on my impressions. It is a little over the $600 limit though at $699...

Tony

I've had my TADAC from http://www.tubeaudiodesign.com/ burning in for about 120 hrs now. I have to say that this is the best DAC I've ever used! It truely sounds outstanding. I had been using the Paradasia DAC for several months - went through several tube changes - upgraded the opamp etc. It was a very nice sounding DAC but muddied up the bass and rolled of the highs(rounded them too) in my all tube system. One day a friend and I decided to try my Bolder modded SB2 analog outs. Great improvement on all points but I decided I wanted to try another DAC. The TADAC at $699 is crazy good in my system! Bass is now super tight and defined - no looseness in the bass.. Imaging and soundstage took a huge step forward - I can now hear into the corners of the soundstage much better. Much more air and ambience - instruments are seperated better and have proper size. I don't find any downside to this DAC. I haven't played with the 12au7 tubes yet but will shortly. I have NO affiliation with this company but just thought I'd post my findings. I'll be getting my Bolder Ultimate II upgraded to MK4 status, so I'm sure the sound will improve another level. When does it stop?? heheh

Tony

stereocilia · « **Reply #19 on:** 31 Aug 2007, 03:44 pm »

Thanks, Tony, for posting your impressions. It seems that as more and more sqeezeboxes find their way into hi-fi systems independent reviews like yours will interest more and more people. Thanks again.