2. digital
  3. 143341-3553

First DAC: Metrum-MHDT-Rega-or?

I have read up on a lot of the posts here. Not sure if that led to more or fewer questions. I have a decent system, modded AR-XB table, Lehmann Phone pre, Exposure integrated and CDP, Harbeth speakers. I want to add my first DAC to the system. Initially it will take iTunes data from a MAC and run into the Exposure amp. I may also run digital out of the CDP into the DAC to see if that improves overall quality. I would like to stay at around $1000.THat is not a lot to some of you but that is kind of my limit at this point. From some of the reading I have done I am leaning toward a Metrum Amethyst, MHDT Orchid or Stockholm, or a Rega DAC-R. I am also open to used units as well. I do not want Pre-amp functionality, and a headphone amp is not critical but nice to have. I am interested in your commentary on the above units and brands. In addition the MAC is more than 15' away from the amp, so I am going to have to piece together USB, Interconnects and maybe SPDIF cables. Is there one cable I should avoid using in long lengths relative to the others?


I admit I am a total newbie in this. I will learn more about software...etc, but now just trying to make an educated decision as s first step.


Thanks

stuartbmw3
david12
1,454 posts
 

There are so many good, reasonably priced DACs around. If you want a natural, analogue sound, then Metrum is hard to beat. I recently replaced my Ayre QB9 DAC for a Metrum Octave at a fraction of the price and it is excellent.

 If you want a more dynamic, detailed sound, then Chord is where I would go, the 2Qute second hand or the new Qutest, are really excellent I was going for the Qutest till I listened to the Octave. They aren't really better or worse than each other, just very different.

erik_squires
16,569 posts
 
in your price point I really like the latest Parasound ZDac as well as anything from Schiit

I would avoid anything more than 10 years old, as the playback got seriously better after.

Best,
E
mahler123
3,467 posts
 
DACs not yet mentioned from iFi Audio and Project , could be used.  One that I would avoid in that price range is Arcam
if you could stretch the budget to $2K, then a world of great DACs becomes available, ones that you may never feel the need to upgrade from.  So as this is your first DAC, I would spend as little as possible and see how you like world of Computer Audio.  If you then want to do a major upgrade in the future, I would suggest budgeting around 2K
stuartbmw3 OP
91 posts
 
So I have ordered a MHDT Orchid. I know my ears, and I much prefer analog over clinical. I also like the idea of introducing a tube into the chain. Will let you know what I think once broken in. Thanks for the input.
mesch
3,529 posts
 
I think you made a good choice.  Yes, please let us know what you think of this DAC.
More to discover