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USB DAC Recommendation

Okay, so here's the deal. I am technologically...well...dumb. I just bought into a Mach 2 system, but I haven't spent my dosh on a DAC yet. I want a good DAC. I want a DAC that's reasonable (5Gs or less), but I absolutely have to have a DAC that's simple to use connectivity/set up--wise. I'd also like it to have real hi-rez ability, not just a NOS DAC (unless I'd be a complete fool not to investigate those). What should I be looking for? Thanks all!
tbadder
tbadder OP
103 posts
 
Which begs the question. If I get a NOS DAC and it down samples can I later take those files and up sample them when I get a top of the line DAC?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
We are eliminating the fan on the Empirical Audio Overdrive DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
twc_cableguy
10 posts
 
Just to be clear, the Tranquility doesn't down sample - that is done by the computer on the fly. If one leaves their files, i.e., hi rez, that way and then changes to a dac that is then capable of the high sample rate - no down sampling is then performed by the computer.
erikminer
433 posts
 
I'd buy the W4S Dac 2 for $1500.00 and use it as a baseline to compare others too. When you find one that's better.. really better, you'll probably be able to get 80+percent back on the W4S, and you'll know, really know, that you got the Dac that suits your ears and system. All the Dac's out there sound different from one another.. buying by the label is always a bad idea.. just my $.02
jcote
100 posts
 
The problem with the W4S are the proprietary drivers needed to run on the source machine vs. the native OS drivers used by Ayre/Wavelength.

Changes in operating system framework may require these drivers to be updated which could become problematic.
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