Suggestions For A DAC

Since you listen primarily to jazz, i would shoot for the Alpha ( 16 bit ). Not only is this unit very reasonably priced, the liquidity of tube midrange on vocals is outstanding, the slight warmth and wetness of stand-up bass is untouched and treble shimmers without being harsh. This is besided the fact that you will now have air, depth and width to your soundstage that you didn't think possible. Should you feel the need, you can even alter the tonal and spatial characteristics via doing very simple tube swaps.

As others may note, tubes are for people that want to enjoy music and not necessarily "pick apart" or "dissect" recordings. Typically way more involving without the need to be analytical. The rest of your SS gear should supply the speed and impact that your looking for. Sean
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Hi John. While I don't have any experience with most of the DACs you're considering, I do own the Bel Canto DAC1.1.

From what I understand, the original DAC1 and the newer 1.1 have some sonic differences. Choosing between these two may depend on the charactersitics of your current system. If you have an overly strident or lean system, the original DAC1 may be the better choice.

There have been a few people here that had their DAC1s upgraded to 1.1s and they remarked that it resulted in a quicker, more extended sound. For those that felt the original was too polite and dull, the upgrade was a welcome change.

I on the other hand had a system which was slightly lean. Adding the 1.1 extended the freqs. and both widened and deepened the soundstage without introducing any nasties. I'm very happy with this DAC. It's detailed without sounding unnatural.

This unit takes a long time to fully burn in. Around a month. However, used DAC1s are prevelant in the classifieds here for between $600 and $700, while the 1.1s are about $100-$150 higher.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Try the Kora Hermes DAC - it retails for 1500 but is solid and uses 3 tubes for output - it upsamples to 24/192 which gives your CD's a lift in sounding fuller. I have a Mcintosh 7008 hooked to it through a 6450. In time add a Perpetual technology digital engine between the player and DAC for megabucks sound.

Thanks everbody for your input! I've been reading them all with great interest and really appreciate you taking the time.

John

Upgrade your speakers first. They are your weakest link.