Need Help with New DAC

Thanks for all your response, if my budget allowed me to 1500 then can I be better with ML, theta genv or msb gold or the new music fidelity dac or even with bel canto, which one is good for me?
thanks again

Try and find a Muse Model Two Plus. You should be able to find one for no more than $700 used. This is a most excellent DAC for the music lover, not etchy or Hi-Fi sounding at all.

Good luck!

I have had both a Theta and a newer Ml rig, and the strengths/character of each was dintinct. In my system, I prefer the ML, but frankly they are both great DACs overall - it just depends on your musical preference (guessing that the Theta may complement the Classe amp better - without knowing which one you are using - but again that is my taste). Incidentally, though it is a crowd and reviewer favorite, I was not impressed by Musical Fidelity's offering (think I might be the only one who wasn't).

Good luck and don't forget a good cable!
=)

-Jacob

Currently using CA-201

The Musical Fidelity A3-24 DAC sells new for around $1,200 which fits your budget and is a superb DAC for the price. Yes, Stereophile gave it a rave review and most people that I have spoken to and have heard it really like it. I purchased one and after 130 hours of burn in find that it just keeps getting better and better with each and every listening session. I’m using tube gear through out my system (SF Line 3 and Wolcott tube monos) and am getting stunning performance using the MF A3. However, some posts from people here on A-Gon who appear to have solid state systems haven’t been thrilled with the MF A3 and prefer a CD player or DAC with a tube output stage.

Your Classe CA 201 is a pretty musical SS amp and I think you just might find the MF A3 to be a good fit. The MF A3 is certainly worth your time to audition. At $1,200 it fits your budget and leaves some extra cash left over for a very good digital cable.

Regards and musical listening!