2. digital
  3. 1448306780

Simple question, best sounding inexpensive DAC.

I have a second system with a CD changer and would like to pick up an inexpensive DAC that would sound better than the DAC in this Denon changer.

If it helps, I listen to Jazz and female vocals. Using a Magnum Dynalab receiver with Quad bookshelf speakers..all Wireworld cables.

Happy Thanksgiving...j
whatjd
rja's avatar
rja
2,370 posts
 
WhatJD,
Stating your price range may help zero in recommendations unless of course you want to go for the dcs Elgar. ;^)
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
HRT MusicStreamer 2+ and Micromega MyDac are 2 good choices.
celtic66
1,651 posts
 
Micromega MyDac is cheap and very good.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tonykay
1,301 posts
 
Define "inexpensive." One man's ceiling is another man's floor. In any case, a used Benchmark DAC1 is a bargain at around $500.
truman
167 posts
 
Like your reasoning, love the Magnum Dynalab receiver and think your amp/speaker combo will benefit from a dac upgrade. So, I am a big fan of the Eastern Electric sabre chip dacs with lots of inputs, ss or tube (12AU7) output, phase button too, best buy/used for $500. For a bit more, $600, the Metrum Octave is hard to beat IMO. Next stop would be around $1000 for only slightly more, "full sounding", with an Audio Note 2.1. as my choice there but requiring a SPDIF. YMMV.
More to discover