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Best USB DAC under $1000

My modded Music Hall just got trounced by a Cambridge 840C. The only thing that's keeping me from buying a cambridge is space. I'd like to use the digital out from my Denon DVD or from my PC into the DAC. It must have COAX, USB & Toslink inputs.
It appears the new Cambridge DAC has different processors? The Music Hall looks good but probably not as good. The Cayin gets good reviews too. The top of my list right now is the PSAudio iii. Any thoughts or other suggestions?
I'm looking for very even full response, neutral sounding but not dry. Thanks for the help.
elevick
elevick OP
2,638 posts
 
Some interesting ideas here, thanks. The Havana sounds very interesting...the tubes don't bother me in the least. However, does the Havana only have a 16bit DAC?
Has anyone put the Cambridge DAC magic against the 840C?
Anyone play with the PS Audio?
Thanks again!
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Yes, the Havana is an NOS DAC (it does not upsample or oversample). Lavry would be another candidate as well.
vman71
218 posts
 
Another option is the Super Pro 707 DAC. I would recommend doing the modification to it to to bypass all passive components that act like filters and buffers by coming directly off the DAC chip.

This little DAC (the size of a cigarette pack) with the modification is outstanding.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
cayin, better sound, value.
trianglezerius's avatar
trianglezerius
119 posts
 
I recently had a chance to hear what I consider the best (USB) DAC compared to a more expensive AMR and others. The Tranquility USB DAC even beat my modified JAS Musik 1.2. Its noise floor and clarity plus its sustain and decay, which was more like analog, were top notch. I'm getting one after the 1st of the yr and selling my CDP.
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