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A New Twist on the Usual DAC Question

I have been searching the archives for DAC questions but here is a different one:

What DAC do you think represents the best VALUE?

By value, I dont mean the cheapest, "under $1000" etc, but what DAC gives the best ratio of

1) highest % of "state of the art" performance per dollar
2) greatest musical enjoyment

3) For the candidates you propose, could you also mention the types of inputs, please?

Ideally, I would like to use the DAC with at least a PC and a redbook player, and may also use an SACD.

Dont know if this is possible, but in any case, look forward to hearing your ideas and opinions.
cwlondon
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
thanks so far

but when searching the archives, I would have sworn I read a couple of threads talking about Sony SCD-1 out into another DAC...

Maybe that was just for redbook?
mapleleafs3
190 posts
 
The Kora Hermes is a great buy 3995.00 Retail Can be had used at 1-1.5K
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
The SCD-1 can output a 44.1 datastream when playing a CD, but has no digital output from SACD. Meitner Labs, Accuphase, and Sony have all implemented proprietary encrypted digital links for passing DSD data from SACD.
mark02131's avatar
mark02131
99 posts
 
The Best DAC I have heard and felt was the most "Analog" is the McIntosh MDA1000, you can get it for 5-6k used 7k new. Stereophile has a nice review on it and I think some of the reviewers use it as there reference DAC. As far a value I think you get a great piece of equipment and thats where the value is. It also has a variable out so you may not need a preamp unless you have a TT so that ads to the value.

Mark
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
I imagine the Benchmark is up there when it comes to value.
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