DAC recommendation


hi guys,

What do you recommend/how much would I have to spend, to match the sound and performance of my Resolution Audio CD50 and Rega Planet CD Player.  

Thanks!
leemaze
@OP,
a DAC that would make Tidal and FLACs sound equally musical and engaging. And wondering if that exists for $300


At $300, it might be possible, but I rather doubt it.
B

$300? you can barely buy a decent S/PDIF cable for that.

I would reset your expectations at $600 and look for a good used DAC or a used HAP-z1ex

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

+2 kacomess.  Great advice on the AQ Dragonfly Red.  Take your time to do some research on other DACs.  Meanwhile, the AQ will give you great sound, and like stated, it will not become obsolete.  It’s what I did as I’m new to all this DAC/ computer sourced music.  Best....
In regards to first version BP DAC - which I own and like very much - I've recently been engaged in a discussion with Gary Dews (owner of Border Patrol) about the quality of the driver embedded in the DAC. The version of the BP DAC I own comes with the C-Media CM6631 driver; others are suggesting it should be replaced with the newer, better X-MOS driver. (Gary is willing to change out the USB card in the unit for a fee.)

It has come as a revelation to me that different drivers can have significant (emphasis on significant) impact on sound quality, or at least that's what I'm being told. As there's not been much discussion about this on audio boards so far as I know, I'm interested in others' take on this.

Steve N., any thoughts?