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Author Topic: Help me find a new DAC  (Read 45270 times)
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Fidelio
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« on: October 11, 2009, 02:19:56 pm »

So, I am getting a new DAC. I know this is a personal choice, but I would still be interested in hearing input from you guys.

I need a Toslink input, gonna be running it from my Onkyo sound card. NOS seems interesting, but I am open to oversampling DACs as well. Other than that, everything is game, but I need something that runs cold at idle since I keep my gear on 24/7, so no tubes.

Price isn't very important, but I will not get something frightfully expensive.

So, I have a few I've thought about.

- Moodlab Concept or Dice
- Beresford Caiman
- MHDT Labs Constantine+
- Audio Note DAC Zero (has a tube, but is designed to be left on 24/7)
- Naim DAC

I am not that preoccupied with detail and soundscape, I would like something that sounds natural and non-analytical. Good timing is essential above all.

Any thoughts?
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« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2009, 03:33:10 pm »

Phasure NOS1  Wink

http://www.phasure.com/index.php?topic=642.0

Or ask GerardA, who has nice DAC for just about 100Euros, I believe
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Fidelio
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« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2009, 03:37:06 pm »

Well, I can't buy the Phasure yet, or am I wrong? Moreover, what would the price be I wonder?
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« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2009, 03:51:30 pm »

Hey Fidelio,

I can't wait untill I hear Phasure NOS1 DAC in combo with xx ofcourse.
It will be around 3k to 4k but it will be best price/quality out there.
For me thats a LOT of money, but I spend it wisely.

I'm looking for new DAC too, but I wait for NOS1 first.
I think its gonna be good, very good.

Peter is taking this to a whole new level, never seen someone working with this passion and dedication.(and so much "in house" knowledge)
He is doing this for himself, just himself, but willing to share this with all of us (audiofreaks)
This will set the standard.
No industry cutting costs somewhere, think about it.

IMO get a good "in between" DAC

Roy
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Fidelio
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« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2009, 04:10:05 pm »

IMO get a good "in between" DAC

I will, but I think the Phasure DAC will be more than I am willing to pay for a DAC, if 3-4k is in Euros.
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« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2009, 04:19:23 pm »

IMO get a good "in between" DAC

I will, but I think the Phasure DAC will be more than I am willing to pay for a DAC, if 3-4k is in Euros.

Not implying that there is something wrong with the DAC you have, in the first place

This is still in beta stage, peter is learning from everyones opinion, respect your honesty.
Only then ''we" can learn.

But yea, ist in euros but I believe Peter said something around 3300 euro's (VAT ??)
Rediculusly much, I don't think so.

But do you have an oppertunaty in listen to the ones you have mentioned, don't buy without listen to them !!
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« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2009, 04:47:19 pm »

I think the ones you mentioned are also good price/quality.

But the NOS1 has some benefits I like, as a maybe digital filtering for speaker XO, that way I save up 1000 euros on x-over parts, anyway (maybe some sofware costs, OK)
No preamp hopefully, no modifying needed, update-able, REAL online service.
Looking forward to A WHOLE NEW project of connecting amps and speakers, haha Wink

This is all because I still have a "card-blanche", have nothing special right now, but really enjoying how xx makes it better and better.

Maybe I get one "in between" myself, because for me its a lot too, you know?
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SeVeReD
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« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2009, 05:57:58 pm »

http://www.pacificvalve.us/USBDACs.html
Pacific Valve Fathom DAC might be one to try and the MoodLab looks good... I haven't looked for anything for awhile and bought blindly with the Stello.  I wouldn't recommend that at the moment.  I'm wishing I could try a NOS dac of some sort... but make sure it really is with PeterSt I'd say, because I'm still not entirely sure what that is other than dac company claims.
I'm hoping to be able to sell the FF800, Stello, and a couple other things hanging around so I can afford the NOS1 myself... and now I'm having to put braces on my kid ack $4500. US ... I don't even want to know what 4K in euros is in dollars :/, heh so I maybe joining you in an inbetween dac sometime
That doesn't mean I want PeterSt to 'dumb' down the NOS1, (which I don't think he will), to make it fit a lower price.  It just may take me a bit of time to get there.
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« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2009, 06:10:37 pm »

And in the mean time "learn" why a DAC is THAT important.

So don't be a BIG spender without understanding what it is you are looking for, I know what I want.
And aint about the money, Its the knowledge of the subject that can provide you with a decent DAC.
Lots of people, can help here.
What is right and what is wrong, by just some specs, I mean just listening is tough enough, as you know, and also do.

Hope Peter will succeed
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« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2009, 06:15:28 pm »

Guys, let me think of something. I already have something in my mind, but I'm currently trying to finish something else. Give me some time for later today to write it down.

Peter
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Fidelio
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« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2009, 08:06:22 pm »

Thanks for all the feedback. Buying without an audition is not really a problem, because nearly all the DACs I have been contemplating have a return policy if one doesn't like it.

Thanks for the link. Saw the Moodlab was quite expensive there, it is much cheaper from the manufacturer in Taiwan. I really don't need USB because I will be using Toslink to avoid ground loops in the system.

Looking forward to hearing what you have to write Peter yes

Hmm, the Audio-GD DAC-19MK3 looks nice. Dual BB 1704UK DACs.
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« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2009, 11:55:01 pm »

Altmann Attraction DAC?
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« Reply #12 on: October 12, 2009, 12:15:15 am »

Altmann Attraction DAC?

Hmm, you are being busy, looks interesting, how is that being powered.
It could be that simple, yes.
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« Reply #13 on: October 12, 2009, 12:18:18 am »

The Attraction DAC is designed to be powered by a single 12V car- or motorcylce battery,
as battery power is pure, and a prerequisite for precision DA conversion. Power consumption is 200mA.

I see
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« Reply #14 on: October 12, 2009, 12:25:00 am »

But it costs less then 100 euro in parts.
and you pay 1000 euros, don´t think so

IMO
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