Need a Dac recommendation

I'd like to get some recommendations on a Dac (either stand-alone or part of a CD player where the Dac section can be accessed). I like clear and transparent sound. I don't want a Dac that will give me warm/tubey/sweet/analog sound. Currently I have a Cambridge Audio DacMagic (not the Plus). I like its tonal balance although the highs can sometimes sound artificial. I'd appreciate your suggestion. The price range that I have in mind is below $1,500 (Obviously the cheaper, the better). Thanks.

 

What inputs are you looking for? USB? S/PDIF? I²S?

 

I would recommend the Chord Qute HD or EX.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/561-chord-electronics-qutehd-review/

http://www.audiostream.com/content/chord-electronics-chordette-qutehd-dsd-dac

 

S/PDIF, please. Thanks.

 

Thanks. I have to admit that I have never heard of this brand before. I will follow the links that you gave.

 

By the way, I should add that the source will be redbook CDs (not hi-res)

 

Read the reviews and try to find a dealer if you can. If you you are using S/PDIF the HD will be fine.

 

The Qute excels at Redbook as confirmed by both reviews.

 

Thanks. I noticed that you're in Toronto. Do you know if there's a dealer nearby?

 

There is no shortage of fans of Chord gear. If you can find a Qute in your price range, I'd say you're done.

 

http://www.executivestereo.com/

Just south of the 401 on Avenue Rd.

 

OK, thanks.

 

I think if you read the reviews it's exactly what you're looking for.

 

You might also be surprised how good some old dacs sound with redbook. The MSB link dac III still sounds pretty nice to me for example. There are plenty of other vintage dacs that can also be had for a song. Worth checking IMO esp. if you are just playing CDs. You can get the new one too.

 

I need a DAC as well. Price range $150 - $200. USB or tos/link optical.

I'm willing to wait til next Christmas or just after sales.

 

This is just over your budget ($1600), but would set you up for expansion into Hi-Rez, and is highly flexible:

http://mytekdigital.com/hifi

 

USB only, but the iFi iDSD is in your budget and it's a really nice little unit. Sounds really good for the price!

 

Another vote for the QuteHD. Best audio move I've made in a long, long time. Just amazing (IMHO) with redbook. If you think you might eventually do HR and/or DSD, might be worth investing the extra bucks for the EX, though the HD does DSD. Just not as good as the EX via USB. If you're already doing S/PDIF, then the HD should do just fine for HR/DSD if you ever go there.

Cheers,
Mike

 

The DACMagic I found sterile, too clinical in the highs and it went back within a fortnight. Check out Firestone Audio's site, if they're still going. I had their Spitfire II DAC a couple or three years ago and was very impressed with it. Doesn't look much and compared to some of the offboard DACs out there just now, it's as basic as they come - a tiny box, three inputs, one each from optical, coax and USB, 24/96 - but did a sterling job. Nicely clear, zero harshness and kicked the Cambridge box into the long grass. You'll get one for about £150 used now I'd guess.

Teac's new(ish) UD-01 has to be up there. I had the predecessor for a while last year and it was terrific too, very even sound, didn't add anything. I tend to believe that most DACs aren't going to be massively different these days. Try a few out if you can (or can be bothered, it's a faff for me) and then decide, but the UD-01 has a killer spec and does DSD as well.

Good review on the Spitfire II here: http://www.head-fi.org/products/firestone-audio-spitfire-mk2/reviews/7420#comments-title

...and one for the Teac: http://www.audiostream.com/content/teac-ud-501-dual-monarual-pcmdsd-usb-digital-analog-converter

 

I can't recommend my Audiolab M-Dac highly enough - it's now my main
source into my Prima Luna

Listening via HD600s now (1 am here) - In Utereo MFSL - fabulous sound.

 

I owned two Schiit Bifrosts and thought they were very good.

 

If it was me, spending $1800 for the Qute, I would rather go all the way, $2400, for the Hugo. But that's my thinking.

 

My problem is that I'm going to have to buy three units because I want six channels (or 5.1) coming out of a music server. I have no choice but to wait until prices drop a bit more

 

There will soon be more than a few (I predict) used PS Audio Mk II DACs for sale possibly in your price range. I'd highly recommend this for Redbook playback, surprisingly good.

 

This is really interesting. How are you going to split the 5.1 into three stereo digital bit streams? Sorry if this is a stupid question.