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DAC's are driving me a bit crazy at the moment.
I have one CD player, and one DAC, but two power supplies for it (not counting the myriad lesser digital audio players that are not really worth mentioning).
Usually, only ONE will sound good at a particular time. I am grateful that it usually lasts for a few days, give or take some, though.
My next DAC will have to go against all three and be more consistent and better, I hope.
1. CD Player -- big, round, voluptuous sound (or a mess).
2. DAC with little PS -- clear and light and detailed (or like cardboard).
3. DAC with BIG PS -- solid, rhythmic bass (or just hollow).
I'll be looking to spend about $1000 and I will keep it for, at least, ten years (judging by how long I keep components, in general).
Follow Ups:
This is old thread, but new stuff to consider (see interview).
I was wondering whether to go DSD or not. I presume ALL high-end will have a DSD option soon. However, one doesn't really need it unless downloading DSD files for computer audio. Whew, I thought I had to worry about DSD!
I don't have any DSD material, so I don't see this as a factor. However, all the DACs appear to be incorporating DSD as the flavor of the year. Oh, well!
I would personally look into either the NAD M51, or (maybe better yet) the Decware modified SSD card input DAC from Tascam with a transformer coupled output stage. But both are expensive
'we realized after we got a ways down the road that DSD was kind of a mistake but we had too much invested in it'
and now everyone's jumping on the bandwagon because they feel they have to?
super.
way to go, audio industry.
Checkout my comments on the new PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC that I bought in July of this year.
It sounds great, built and supported by PS Audio in Boulder, Colorado, 3 Year warranty, and sold by a network of US based dealers.
If you ever have a problem with the DAC outside the 3 Year Warranty, PS Audio normally has a reasonable fixed price repair / exchange. I mention this because you said you plan to keep the thing for about 10 years!
$1299, much less if you have a trade-in.... or probably get a modest discount through a dealer.
So you can find the DAC Abe is talking about here for $599 on Agon.
I have the same DAC, like it a lot. It's not a touch on my Chord 2Qute, but it's much less money.
I think the new one is just DSD capable but other than that not much difference. But I can't say for sure.
If you don't have a local PS dealer call Walter at Underwood Hi Fi and see what he says.
"A lie is half-way around the world before the truth can get its boots on."
-Mark Twain
It plays all formats PCM and DSD
Alan
Abe;
How does the NuWave DSD sound compared to the old NuWave DAC Sans DSD?
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
The NuWave DSD sounds better to me overall. It's very dynamic and punchy with good detail and fully extended. It's not quite a smooth as the Ayre QB-9 DSD but for the price I am very impressed. The old NuWave DAC was excellent too but I find the NuWave DSD to be a bit better.I paid $699 + shipping with the trade-in of my older NuWave. Got mine from underwoodwally on Audiogon. If you search "NuWave" you'll see a couple dealers selling the NuWave DSD and some folks selling their old NuWave DACs. I figured with the generous trade-in allowance it wasn't worth my time trying to sell my old one so I used it as a trade-in. I had it for just under 3 years.
When PS Audio came out with the original NuWave DAC 3 years ago they offered a promo few hundred dollars trade-in allowance on "any working DAC". I bought the cheapest $15 DAC I could find on Amazon.com and traded it in! They accepted it but soon after, I saw that they changed the wording of the trade-in offer. The revised offer required that the trade-in DAC have a certain minimum new MSRP retail price. ;-)
Edits: 08/25/15 08/25/15
Can you describe the differences you hear between the Ayre QB-9 DSD and the PS Audio Nuwave DSD? I am currently listening to the Ayre in my system but as my Belles Integrated has only single ended inputs I am not sure I am hearing the Ayre at it's best. Any feedback would be appreciated.
It's on my radar. It may not have any competition at it's price point even.
Look at the Audio-GD 19
I believe it is $700 and is really a great sounding dac
Alan
Hi Alan,
If you were given a choice now to either go with the new DAC-19 or the upcoming Musette, which would you purchase? I know it's not easy since there is no feedback yet from the Musette.. Knowing the basic character of the Hex and the Master 7 (Dac-19 is trickle-down..) would influence your decision now.. Fwiw, I've read Cees state that the Musette's performance lies in-between the Octave mk2 and the Hex.. So the Hex is still the better performer in most aspects even if it still uses the old industrial chilps... Thanks..
The reason I bought the Master 7 to replace my Hex was I heard the 19 for several hours and really loved the sound. I would definitely buy the 19.
Alan
Thanks Alan! That helps a lot...
Really why the Dac-19? Its $800 and single ended output only, with coax, toslink and USB input only.The NFB-28 costs less at $750 and offers much more. Balanced and Single Ended Ins/Outs as well as their ACSS. Preamp, Headphone amp and DAC, it uses the Amanero USB driving a Saber chip. It also increases the inputs to an I2S input. Headphone outputs offer both balanced and single ended as well. And it comes with a remote.
Sound wise its a killer.
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
Edits: 08/23/15 08/23/15
I don't like the Sabre chips. Had a Mytek stereo 192 and felt though highly resolving I did not connect emotionally to it I am a R@R ladder dac guy
Alan
It has a 5V output, way higher than any of my consumer gear.
I like it better w/jumpers, but don't love it...
No
Output level was not a problem
It really is a good sounding dac
Just not my cup of tea
Alan
I feel that way about all professional Dacs....they can be very accurate but lack soul.
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
You might look at Blue Circle.I bought the 509 and haven't looked back.The next one up doubles the PS.I bought the USB unit,in case of resale down the road.It is a bit unimpressive to look at,but its' inner beauty has shown its self as the system has progressed.
Be wary of the I2S inputs.Many offer them,but are configured differently.Use the I2S with the same brand and you will be okay:IE:I2S/I2S pro and one other I believe.
I am highly in favor of digital gear being solidstate.If you need to flavor it,do it with cabling or tube swapping it the amplification.
Tom:cat
Thanks for the information but the original poster is looking for a DAC, my DAC needs have been satisfied
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
I think the 509 is a ladder Dac, which seem to be making a comeback.
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