DAC upgrade assistance needed

You owe it to yourself a new USB DAC--either the PS Audio NuWave or the W4S DAC-2. I wouldn't spend money on an expensive USB/SPDIF converter considering the improvements made in USB DACs over the past 4-5 years. Even the Resonessence Concero ($600) is an option today if you don't plan on playing DSD files.

Without knowing about your existing system, let me expand on my 1st response. I play Redbook CDs as AIFF via MAC mini using Pure Music. I owned a DL III with the M2Tech Hiface. Felt it to offer great sound for the $700 I had invested. I upgraded to a Bryston BDA-1 because I wanted more digital inputs. I then upgraded to the Audiophilleo. Both together cost $1600 used.

I feel the Audiophilleo would have been a good upgrade used with the DL III. My total cost then would have been $1100.

Outside the USB interface I question whether the PS Nuwave is that much better DAC than the DL III. Though I have not heard it, based on reports by others here and elsewhere, I believe the W4S II to be a truer upgrade at a cost of ~$1150 given a used DL III now sells for ~$350.

I would suggest you look for a used music fidelity V-link (24/96) or M2tech Hiface (24/192) and try it with your DL III. Cost would be less than $100. The PS DL III has a robust power supply and great analog output stage for a DAC selling for $800 3 years ago.

The DAC-2 sounds a LOT better if you drive it with HDMI I2S using a USB converter like the Off-Ramp 5. The other inputs are not as good as I2S.

Customer feedbacks:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=112012

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Thanks all for the feedback. I've had the M2tech Hiface mated to the PSA DLIII for some 4 years now. It's very decent sound, considering they're old technology. But I'm in an upgrade mood, especially if I can acquire a more modern used dac for a modest price.

Is the PSA PerfectWave DACII that much better than the PSA NuWave II?

If you prefer to re-enter the water cautiously, you should look at the Musical Fidelity M1A DAC. I recently took my first step into computer-based audio and bought the M1A. I was genuinely astonished at the quality of the sound, and I'm very glad I didn't spend more. The M1A certainly isn't the only reasonably priced DAC today, but it's a prime example of what's available for less than $1000.