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Which DAC to buy?

M

mmetts

New Member
Hi! I've recently been in the market for my first DAC. Judging from the huge selection of products available and the amount of discussion all over the web, it seems this a question that others frequently face.

In any case, my priorities are

1) Process the signal from my CD player (needs coax) and my Airport Express (needs Toslink). Eventually, I imagine higher resolution sources but these 2 are my immediate concerns. I get the impression that almost any recent DAC would provide a dramatic audible improvement for these sources.

2) Price and medium-term viability. I'd like not to replace this unit within the next 3 years or so though I understand that the technology in a DAC is changing faster (probably) than any other aspect of my stereo. Though I’ve said that almost any DAC I buy will probably improve the sound coming from the 2 devices I’ve mentioned, I’d still like to get the most natural and neutral sound for my money.

3) Flexibility. I need at least 1 coax and 1 Toslink right now and a way to switch between them. Also, I’d like to have XLR outputs.

4) Reasonably compliments the equipment I already have: McIntosh C2300 preamp, McIntosh MC252 amp, McIntosh MR88 tuner, B&W 804 speakers, Adcom GCD-700 cdplayer. And, of course the aforementioned Airport Express. I will likely add a music server in the next year or so but I’m sensitive to just blowing money left and right – i.e. I have trouble swallowing $8,000 for a music server/DAC.

I’ve considered (but not listened to):

Benchmark DAC-1
Music Hall DAC 25.2 (now apparently 25.3) -- I understand the XLR outputs don’t use the tube stage.
Van Alstine Insight EC DAC – XLR outputs are extra.

So far, I like the notion of the Van Alstine DAC but don’t have clear positive reasons for getting it. I realize that these 3 (configured as I’d prefer) represent a range in price from about $600 to about $1500. Which leads to my questions.

Which should I buy? One of these? Which others should I consider? Comparing the Van Alstine to the Benchmark, for instance, do you think the Van Alstine would sound significantly better and/or represents a better value?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insights (please forgive any ignorance I’ve demonstrated just now),
Mike
 
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There is a thread on the Music Hall in Modern Day Hi Fi. I have one and love what it does to the sound of CD's. One of the posters conducted an extensive listening test with the Benchmark DAC-1 USB, the PS Audio Digital Link III, the Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 and the Music Hall.
 
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The Cambridge Audio DACMagic meets all your requirements for less than your lower budget amount. It is a Stereophile and The Absolute Sound recommended component. I own two of them.
 
I demo'd both the Music Hall and the Beresford tc7520. Preferred the Beresford in my system Doing the same thing with Airport Express to aux in my pre. Plus the Beresford saves you $2-$300. And cost wasn't that much of an issue.
 
Depending on what you're willing to spend or do, here's some you may want to consider"

1. Quality sound/low cost: Beresford

2. Even better sound/ mid price diy kit: Twisted Pear (Is that the right spelling?)

3.Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC: Fairly expensive ($5000), but the best I've seen.

Disclaimer: One of the designers of the Berkeley is a friend, but if it wasn't an excellent DAC, I wouldn't have mentioned it.

Best Regards,
TerryO
 
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The Bel Canto DAC3 is outstanding, offers remote switching, and can be had for $1300-1500 used. Significantly better than the Benchmark, IME. Also has an upgrade path if you're interested.
 
Bryston BDA-1 and Bel Canto

I'm looking pretty seriously at a Bryston BDA-1 now. What do folks think of that? How does it compare to the Bel Canto DAC3? thanks.
 
I'd go with Van Alstine, based on my past and present experience with Frank's equipment. The DACs of his that I heard at the last two AK Fests were as outstanding as his preamps and amps. They're also designed and built in the USA, if that matters to you. (It does to me; I try to avoid Chinese-built gear wherever I can.)
 
pulled the trigger

This morning, I ordered a Bryston BDA-1. It supposed to ship Tuesday from the factory. I'll report back to the group on my impressions. Many thanks to all. If I get a chance, this weekend, I'll collate all the impressions I've collected from people and draw my decision tree. Cheers, Mike

@Dr Tinear, I steered away from Van Alstine when it appeared that not that many had good things to say about the Insight EC. I looked at reviews and did not really find anyone raving about it. I also became concerned about the scope and restricitons on the features. The Bryston is built in Canada. Does that count? I know what you mean. I like the fact that all my stuff (until the Bryston arrives) with the possible except of my Adcom GCD-700 were made in the US and UK.

@whoaru99, Thanks. I'll look at that when I get a chance. The deed is done now, though. Geez, "moderately" priced is gonna have to be good enough for now. I've spent a scandalous amount of money on audio this year even w/o taking the new Bryston DAC into account.
 
Congratulations on the new Bryston DAC! I heard one of their models in January at a dealer demo -- I'm not sure which model it was -- and thought it was excellent. If I had been shopping for a DAC at the time, that one would have made my short list.
 
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