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Looking for a DAC < $1500

Need two coax inputs to hook up my CDP and Bluesound Node2. Not too many out there with two coax inputs but found a couple on A'gon and trying to decide; Bryston BDA-2, Primare Systems DAC 30, and for just a little more, a McIntosh D100. If your money, which would you pick. Or should I just go with something new from Marantz reference line that plays CD (or SACD) and has a coax input. The goal is to take the digital glare from my CD player - a real midfi unit, and the Bluesound's internal DAC. Thanks.
kalali
hgeifman
2,359 posts
 
Please see the Audio Alchemy DDP-1 Preamp/DAC/Headphone Amp.  Its digital inputs are AES/EBU, 2 RCA coaxial, 2 Toslink optical, I2S, aux USB for firmware updates.

http://www.audioalchemy.com/products/ddp-1-1

It has 2 RCA coaxial inputs.



bobsjr4's avatar
bobsjr4
21 posts
 
I have to vote with the Schiit crowd.  I purchased the Gumby Multibit and it completely changed my mind about the drawbacks of digital.  Playing a Mac charger Miles Davis cd versus the same on SACD through an Exemplar modified Oppo sacd, I now wish I hadn't wasted the money on sacds.  Only wish I had gone all out for the Yggy.

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,394 posts
 
Another Schiit Gungnir Multibit owner/lover here. 

Feed it from a microRendu and you'll really be shocked at how good a digital rig under $2000 can sound. Cheers,
Spencer
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

I decided to drop my budget just a notch, at least for now, and tried a couple of more moderately priced DACs with two coax inputs - a friend's BDA-1 and a DACmagic Plus, and decided to hold on to the DACmagic. I don't know if its the built in upsampling or just system synergy but both the Node 2 and my old CDP sounded a little "warmer" with fuller low/mid bass through this DAC. I'll try my search next year after we've recovered from the Holidays.

mesch
3,530 posts
 
Great you have a DAC to use while in the hunt. Many great older DACs come up for sale used. The field opens up when asynchronous USB is not a requirement.
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