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I'm looking for a compact DAC and narrowed down my selection to the above mentioned. Both DAC's are design with purity in the output signal in mind although the VDA-2 is a more recent release.Would appreciate comments or recommendation if any of you have experience with one or the other ideally both DAC's. thanks
Follow Ups:
So, Slbenz, are you saying that without the tube buffer, the VDA-2 lacked warmth in your rig? Your comparison of the VDA-2 to the Benchmark, also known as a good, but leaner-sounding DAC, makes me wonder. I am a ways off from a DAC upgrade, but I seek that elusive combo of warmth and detail through the upper-mid/lower-treble range. I do have a C-J tube preamp, but it's not overly warm or "tubey" sounding, so my DAC or CD player would have to have that (admittedly euphonic) quality of warmth. Thanks for the review. You know, it is still the ONLY review of the VDA-2, from users or journalists, that I've seen.
the VDA 1 even with an optonal Power supply doesn't sound anything like the 47Lab DACs.
Hola Chris.Wow! I have heard the 4715 and it's fantastic. At nearly $1,500 it's expensive to my budget though. The CI-2 have great reputation among its users although there is no formal review at this moment. Dusty is a great designer and I have had some of his produts before. The VDA-2 is $750 with the PS.
These two products have made my list too. You can't go wrong. Either one will provide you with great sound.
Good luck,
Jose
Jose,I have been quite pleased with my CI VDA-2 and VAC-1 combination that is connected to both my Oppo Digital DV-970HD DVD player and my Sony 200 disc megachanger. I wrote a review of this combo at Epinions and went into detail on their attributes. Unfortunately, I do not have any experience with the other DAC you mention but Dusty Vawter of CI Audio answered the phone when I called with questions about his products. He answered all my questions and was very friendly.
http://www.epinions.com/content_256272928388
Slbenz
who wrote that review. Gracias-Thanks.I posted that review in a Chilennian Forum and a friend bought it. Now, they are talking wonders about that unit and how it compares to others.
Jose,Didn't realize my Epinions review would end up on a Chilean Forum! The wonder and power of the Internet! I'm glad to see that your friend is quite pleased with the Channel Islands Audio products. I had a chance to contact Dusty Vawter to let him know I was going to write a very favorable review on his products. He definitely thanked me for it and was happy that Epinions was going to let me post my review there. You may want to tell your friend to try different power cords on the VAC-1. I use a PS Audio power cord and it added to the CI Audio combo. Even more clarity, detail and fullness to the music. Because my system is solid state, I tried the Musical Fidelity x10v3 and Yaqin tube buffers to add that tube warmth. I am pleased to say after over a month of experimentation, either tube buffer in conjunction with the CI Audio combo connected to my Oppo or Sony makes either one sound just like most big dollar CD players. The Yaqin tube buffer was quite a big surprise for me since it is over $100 less expensive than the Musical Fidelity (which I got on sale for $300) and compared favorably to the MF. Thanks for letting me know about my Epinions review going to Chile and let me know if you or your friend have any questions.
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