DACs with a budget of $800


Hey All, 

I am considering getting a stand alone DAC for my digital streaming. My system as it stands now sounds a little forward to me. Soundstage depth is lacking. Separation, width and height appear appropriate, as does image density. I am currently running a Bluesound node 2 streamer in my main system. The rest of my system is as follows:

Sources: 
TV, JA Michele Gyrodec, Bluesound Node 2

Amp(s)
Red Dragon Audio M1000 Mk I monoblocks and sometimes I switch in my Anthem MCA 20

Preamp
Blue Circle 21.1

Tranducers
Spacial Audio M3 turbo s
GMA Continuum I's
Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1
Maggie MMG's
Paradigm Monitor Sub 12 (stereo pair)

as I said I am really looking for some depth and "air" in my sound stage but also highly value impact, extended sparkle on the top end, and punch.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 



128x128birdfan
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Ben
For about $900 you can get a Bel Canto DAC 2.5 , And you will probably never look back.

I bought a new DAC 2.5 for $2200 a few years back. I hit hard times, sold it, then I bought another one used for $900 b/c I Realized how good they were for the money.

The DAC also has a built in PreAmp with Volume control. These Bel Cantos are hi res, musical, fast, big soundstage, and clean-sounding with incredibly low distortion (Bel Canto uses high end anti-jitter components and clocks).

The 2.5 DAC would most likely mate well with your red dragon amplifiers. For $900, it’s a steal.
@Soix  .. Apologies.. a misstep on my part: 

i do do not get my Blue Circle preamp until next week. Currently I am using an NAD 165C Bee. I know I may experience big changes, and maybe the ones I am looking for... but keep the recommendations coming!!! 

@graber thanks for the recommendation.. I will look into it...


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The NAD c165Bee is actually a very good preamp. It doesn't have the somewhat exaggerated midrange glow of my tube preamp in my other system but its quite balanced top to bottom with good soundstage and air. Your tube Blue Circle might give you that added "air" especially on vocals but remember it has twice as much output voltage; 20V vs. 10V, so keep that in mind when pairing it with your amp.