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Poor man's reference DAC

I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
Good luck Bryanhod,
You might need it, the only way you'll get lucky is if a dealer has a demo or one from a show.
A used one from a consumer might be a while, they're still pretty new and unheard of (I could be wrong though)
I'm gonna be patient and look for a used Bidat to get a handle on it's sonic character and see how it stacks up against my Audio Logic with a nice tube compliment.
keith_316
18 posts
 
HI,

I have been asked a few questions now about the April Music Stello DA220 DAC......here is the link for stores that sell it in the US. AIsip posted a response to the review of this product, and I can honestly say that the review is dead on....I have first hand experience with the product, and its only a matter of time before the days pass and I get one for my B-day. any way, this dac is well worth listening to.......

http://www.aprilmusic.com/distributors.htm
bryanhod OP
211 posts
 
I have recieved a demo Reimyo DAP-777 and it is fantastic. My highest recommendation and worth a try to anyone researching this product. The documentation often states Anarog instead of Analog, very funny to us English speaking Audiophiles but the product is top nothc. It is always satisfying when you take a risk and it is better than you could hope for. This unit removes all remnants of any digital sound I used to hear. My system is now remarkably detailed but with warmth I thought could only come from tubes.
duke_49
2 posts
 
Buy a RME ADI-2 and use battery power. I blows away everything, believe me!!!! It's a DAC for studio use, looks ugly /like a toy --- but it's fantastic. In the states it costs about 640 bucks, so nobody would ever take a look at it. In combination with my Teac P2-s it sounds pure analog and best detailed I've ever heared. A friend having a LFD DAC by Dr. Richard Brews and Tannoy Westminster first tested the ADI - only accidentally. He looked anaemic after listening....
Disadvantage: Only XLR analog outputs. Greetinx from Germany, Hendrik
fmtien
47 posts
 
adding to what Perose and Tomryan have said...the MW level 2 P-3/A is a good DAC but leaves much to be desired...to take it to a much higher level, the Empirical Audio P-3/A DAC modded by Steve Nugent is needed. the EA modded DAC greatly improves upon everything across the board.
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