dtr20 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I've been thinking about picking up a good DAC for awhile now. A friend recommended this DAC after the research he did. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0132HW1JA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_yoqEybK3DHFT3 I like the price of this one. I can also get an Emotiva XDA-2 Gen 2 DAC on CL for $200. I'm looking to hook up a CD player and maybe my Amazon Kindle fire hd (not sure if the kindle has the drivers to communicate to a DAC). Is there anything I should be looking for when choosing a DAC? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawson's Ridge Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 1 hour ago, dtr20 said: Is there anything I should be looking for when choosing a DAC? Yes, but you aren't going to find it in a $100-200 product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/168915-for-sale-cambridge-audio-dacmagic-plus/Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted February 15, 2017 Moderators Share Posted February 15, 2017 1 hour ago, dtr20 said: I can also get an Emotiva XDA-2 Gen 2 DAC on CL for $200. I love my mine and it's the first model, I know they are not a "popular" model but it sounds great, and the remote is VERY handy. Plus it has a volume knob so it can be used as a pre-amp,( it's how I use it) and very well built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Choose a DAC by its construction... ladder type (supposedly) For the rest of us mere humans, choose a DAC by its components. Top of the line ESS chips etc (9018 or 9038)... chips etc per channel (2 or more)... Femto Clocking... naked resistors (vishay). Etc etc etc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenazFilan Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I have a Music Hall 25.3 hybrid tube DAC which I find more than satisfactory. It's a bit over your price point, but you can buy it used on Amazon for under $400. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyOwn Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Another thing to consider is can the DAC be upgraded when new chips are available. Wyred4Sound offers this. I just sent my DAC2-DSDse in to them, it will come back as a DAC-2v2SE with the ES9038PRO chip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 2 minutes ago, Steve_S said: Another thing to consider is can the DAC be upgraded when new chips are available. Wyred4Sound offers this. I just sent my DAC2-DSDse in to them, it will come back as a DAC-2v2SE with the ES9038PRO chip Did you notice any difference in the upgrade? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyOwn Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 1 minute ago, Schu said: Did you notice any difference in the upgrade? I just sent in in yesterday for the upgrade. They will have it by end of day tomorrow 2/16/2017. Hopefully it will be back in my home next week. I will let you know as soon as I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Check out the Schiit DACs. I have the Bifrost which is terrific, and it is upgradeable. Great value http://schiit.com/products/bifrost 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mojomc Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 12 minutes ago, jimjimbo said: Check out the Schiit DACs. I have the Bifrost which is terrific, and it is upgradeable. Great value http://schiit.com/products/bifrost Modi multibit owner here. Excellent sound, non upgradeable unlike the bifrost mentioned. $250 http://schiit.com/products/modi-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenazFilan Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 34 minutes ago, jimjimbo said: Check out the Schiit DACs. I have the Bifrost which is terrific, and it is upgradeable. Great value http://schiit.com/products/bifrost I have been very tempted to buy a Schiit DAC and a Shinola turntable. Just to prove that I do so know the difference. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osibisa Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Man that is funny!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osibisa Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Do any of this recommendations allow you to process in the opposite direction as well (record vinyl & playback)? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muel Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Regardless of what USB DAC you buy I highly suggest you purchase a USB filter or "regenerator" I have two of the REGEN from UpTone and wouldn't do without them. There is also the Jitterbug that I have heard good things about from individuals whose judgement I trust. I wouldn't get too excited about using this for playing but it gives you the ability to capture your analog stuff to digital. https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B0023BYDHK 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I just ordered the LPS-1 to power my Regen. It's supposed to ship on the 28th. Can't wait.Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muel Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I got their Linear Power supply but I have to say that the Regen (with the stock power supply) made a far bigger difference than changing the power supply. Perhaps my power was already in pretty good shape. I'll be interested to hear about your results. Sorry to divert from the DAC conversation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 That's interesting......the LPS-1 costs over twice as much as the Regen. Guess I'll find out.Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Sorry OP......Muel, PM sent.Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osibisa Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 2 hours ago, muel said: I wouldn't get too excited about using this for playing but it gives you the ability to capture your analog stuff to digital. https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA222-BEHRINGER-U-CONTROL/dp/B0023BYDHK I'm using one of these now, just wondering if there might be something better for bi-direction use. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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