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Thread: DAC Upgrade.
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May 21, 2013, 09:21 PM #1Member
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DAC Upgrade.
Thinking it is time to upgrade the DAC - looking for something that does a good job with USB and preferably still has coax. input. Don't need it to function as a pre/headphone amp. Price range is in the $ 1500-$2000 range. Suggestions ?
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May 21, 2013, 10:13 PM #2Audioshark
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
I've got the brand new Marantz NA11S1 on order (it should arrive Thursday). It's a music server, but you can use it just as a DAC with a PC or Mac. It has Coax like you wanted and most importantly, it has native DSD capabilities. PM me for "friends of Mike" pricing.
Originally Posted by JBLfan
Failing that, the Mytek DSD DAC is good, but feature wise, no where near the Marantz IMO.
It is still very new, so no reviews, but there is a review coming out in June in a German Audio magazine. Check out this snippet from their review:
"The new Marantz NA-11S1 is knocking on the door of the ADS/1 and scores with 138 Klangpunkte (points for SQ only) better than the ADSM, Lumin, NAD M50/51 and comes very close to the ADS/1."
In the description they even praise this system as "most analog sounding system on the market so far". "The Marantz is offering DSD and no Linn system does."
NOTE: ADS/1 (original) and ADSM (new) are the top of the line Linn digital music systems ($20,000 retail for those).
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369188518.457427.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369188608.994525.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1369188622.757427.jpgMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
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May 21, 2013, 10:38 PM #3Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Thx for the reply - much appreciated. Looks like I am still "too new" to send you a PM....
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May 21, 2013, 10:40 PM #4Audioshark
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Check your PM. Originally Posted by JBLfan
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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May 21, 2013, 10:48 PM #5Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Thx Mike !
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May 21, 2013, 11:04 PM #6Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Those two are awesome...BUT a tiny bit out of his price range listed...LOL
One that I have heard and is revolutionizing the DAC world..The MyDac...still above (at $399) but competing with ones 2 to 3x the cost.
Product Preview: Micromega MyDAC -The $399 Miracle | The Absolute Sound
The Micromega MyDac is an instant audiophile classic | The Audiophiliac - CNET NewsMAIN RIG: Equipment: Marantz SR4023 as Pre / Velleman K4040 Tube Power Amp / Yamaha M65 Power Amp / Polk Monitor 70's with Polk Sub / ClearAudio Concept table with Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Phono Stage and ClearAudio Concept MC cart /Pioneer PL500 TT with AT440MLa
Be the person your dog thinks you are...
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May 21, 2013, 11:05 PM #7Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Those two are awesome...BUT a tiny bit out of his price range listed...LOL
One that I have heard and is revolutionizing the DAC world..The MyDac...still above (at $399) but competing with ones 2 to 3x the cost.
Product Preview: Micromega MyDAC -The $399 Miracle | The Absolute Sound
The Micromega MyDac is an instant audiophile classic | The Audiophiliac - CNET NewsMAIN RIG: Equipment: Marantz SR4023 as Pre / Velleman K4040 Tube Power Amp / Yamaha M65 Power Amp / Polk Monitor 70's with Polk Sub / ClearAudio Concept table with Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Phono Stage and ClearAudio Concept MC cart /Pioneer PL500 TT with AT440MLa
Be the person your dog thinks you are...
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May 21, 2013, 11:10 PM #8Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
I had a Wyred4Sound DAC2 for a few years and was very happy with it. I understand they just upgraded it to include DSD capabilities. I believe the new price is around $2500.00 but you could find older models for around 1K.
Doug
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May 22, 2013, 09:30 AM #9Audioshark
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Very cool. I've heard great things about this little DAC. Any word on whether they will make a DSD one? Originally Posted by audiodoctor
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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May 22, 2013, 09:58 AM #10Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Forgive my silliness..I thought he said $150-$200 ...whats the symbol for me for DUHHHHHH
MAIN RIG: Equipment: Marantz SR4023 as Pre / Velleman K4040 Tube Power Amp / Yamaha M65 Power Amp / Polk Monitor 70's with Polk Sub / ClearAudio Concept table with Musical Surroundings Phonomena II Phono Stage and ClearAudio Concept MC cart /Pioneer PL500 TT with AT440MLa
Be the person your dog thinks you are...
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May 22, 2013, 10:59 AM #11Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
Another vote for the DAC-2. Originally Posted by dlb2
"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
2 Channel: Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2, Manley Mahi Monoblocks, DIY SEOS Waveguide/Dipole Bass Towers
HT: Marantz AV7005, Wyred 4 MMC5, DIY SEOS Towers, DIY 7CF Sealed 18" Subs
PC: Wyred 4 Sound mINT, KEF Q100, Hifiman HE-6
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May 22, 2013, 01:13 PM #12Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
I really love my NAD M51. I've listened to the Mytek and liked it a lot, the Marantz NS-11 and didn't like it, and my go-to DAC in my other system is still the Berkeley Alpha with April Music Stello U3 usb converter that I picked up, with luck, in the OP's budget. The M51 makes for an excellent preamp, with really well-handled volume control (better than the Alpha as a pre, in my opinion) if you only have digital sources. The Stello U3 is an excellent option for adding USB to any DAC. I run it with AES/EBU out to the Berkeley. I run the original Berkeley and it is the source component that I"ve been most happy with in my entire time in this hobby. I'm not sure what they go for used, and you do need something like the Stello U3 but I've not heard anything new for $1500-$2000 that comes close. The April Music Eximus is over budget and doesn't sound as good to me as a used Berkeley Alpha w/the U3.
Last edited by JohnVF; May 22, 2013 at 01:16 PM. Reason: additions
1: VPI Classic w/Shelter 501 & Lenco L-70 with Zyx Yatra, EMM Labs CDSAse, Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC, Primare PRE-32 pre, T+A a1530r amp, Harbeth SHL-5 speakers.
2: NAD M51 pre/DAC, Pass Aleph 30 amp, Quad ESL-63pro speakers.
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May 22, 2013, 06:56 PM #13Senior Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
I've got a Wyred4 Sound DAC2 that I'm getting ready to sell. PM me if you're interested.
Ref System: Wilson Alexx on Stillpoint Ultras w/Base, dCS Rossini & Upsampler & Clock, Audio Research REF 160S, REF 6SE, WW Platinum Everywhere, Roon
Office System: B&W N802D2, NAD M10
Living Room System: B&W N804D, NAD M10, Velodyne DD+10
Bedroom: Dynaudio Focus 160, NAD M10, Velodyne DD+10
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May 22, 2013, 10:29 PM #14Member
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Re: DAC Upgrade.
The NAD M51 is on my list - I hear lot's of good things on this unit but hard to find a dealer nearby. Thx for the suggestion! Originally Posted by JohnVF
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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You should ask your dealer to bring the CH stuff he wants to sell you for home audition in your system. IMO there is no way to tell what will sound better in your system.
MSB Reference vs CH C1.2