Help Me Choose a DAC

I think I’m more confused now than when I 1st started this endeavor. :scratch2:
Lots to think about and tougher to listen to them all.
 
The Border Patrol SE sounds mighty good for around $1,500. Very positive reviews notwithstanding that Stereophile trashes its measurements. I am enjoying mine. Second for the Lumin. I have the D1 with the just-released Mk II Sbooster power supply and love it.
 
Paul you are so right it is a buyers market for DACs which makes for a confusing decision. Many great options to choose from and the bar gets raised it seems like on a month to month basis. For me I couldn't compromise not having DSD ability or balanced XLR outputs. Maybe set up your must have parameters and list all options available in your price range. Search out reviews and compile all opinions and see if you see a trend of hearing the same attributes. Everyone has a sound they are looking for out of their system like great bass or pinpoint imaging. From my experience every DAC will excel in certain areas as at this price range you are dealing with compromises. A little time and patience and you will end up with the DAC that suits your tastes and system.

Audiophilehi said:
I think I’m more confused now than when I 1st started this endeavor. :scratch2:
Lots to think about and tougher to listen to them all.
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There are a ton of great DACs for very reasonable out there. Trust me, I tried quite a few. I also understand the budget you stated.... I tried doing the same, and I definitely can't afford the crazy level stuff that gets discussed in forums, AS included :)...

However, being that I went through over a dozen DACs before I finally found "the one" I do strongly recommend that you consider expanding your budget a bit, if at all possible. If you can swing a T+A DAC 8 DSD you should be good to go for quite some time, especially if you enjoy DSD. If there is any chance of you ever doing any upsampling (Roon, HQPlayer, or like me Roon feeding HQPlayer) then you owe yourself a T+A DAC.

Anyway, that is my two cents, for what it is worth :D....
 
Randy Myers said:
There are a ton of great DACs for very reasonable out there. Trust me, I tried quite a few. I also understand the budget you stated.... I tried doing the same, and I definitely can't afford the crazy level stuff that gets discussed in forums, AS included :)...

However, being that I went through over a dozen DACs before I finally found "the one" I do strongly recommend that you consider expanding your budget a bit, if at all possible. If you can swing a T+A DAC 8 DSD you should be good to go for quite some time, especially if you enjoy DSD. If there is any chance of you ever doing any upsampling (Roon, HQPlayer, or like me Roon feeding HQPlayer) then you owe yourself a T+A DAC.

Anyway, that is my two cents, for what it is worth :D....
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Thanks Randy. I would love to swing for the T+A DAC 8 DSD. Maybe Mike can make me a phenomenal deal! :exciting:
 
Hmmm... that price would be quite the deal :).... $3500 would be a fantastic deal... even $4000 is probably better than any dealers will do :D....
 
If you would like a T+A, keep looking on the used gear sites. I have seen a couple of the DAC8 used for under $3K. A friend of mine bought one used for about $2800.
 
Mechnutt said:
If you would like a T+A, keep looking on the used gear sites. I have seen a couple of the DAC8 used for under $3K. A friend of mine bought one used for about $2800.
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Make sure it is the newer model (the DSD model) ...
 
So my decision is made.

As as much as I would have loved the T+A DAC 8 it was out of my reach. Our fearless leader Mike would have given my a great deal but still out of reach. :(

So I just pulled the trigger on the Bryston BDA-3. Mike gave me a deal I couldn’t refuse. :celebrate008_2:

The Bryston is loaded with options that most other DACs don’t have. I plan to take advantage of them.


Thanks to all for your replies and advice. I’ll keep you posted when I receive the unit.
 
Great choice Paul. I think you will be very pleased. Keep us updated when it arrives and your thoughts.
 
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