Time to retire my McCormack DAC-1 ?


Hi there, hope you all had a great New Year.
I have a McCormack DAC-1 since new. Still sounds lovely BUT I feel I am probably missing out on some music. What would you folks recommend for a replacement??  I'm budgeting 1 grand for a used piece of gear.

Many thanks for your input.
grossman616
Hey there, OP.
My typical advice for these sorts of questions is to listen to CD's and high resolution music.
If your DAC has a big discrepancy between the two, it is time to upgrade, because the latest generations are much much better with Redbook.

If on the other hand they sound about the same, then the only reason to change is for flavor.

Best,
E
You could check out the link below and then call Steve or Patrick at SMc.
Even with the upgrades, there are considerations related to the age of the DAC such as whether to switch to an R2R ladder type DAC, or other different technologies that are now available.  However, from the standpoint of power supply and parts improvements, I suspect SMc upgrades would make the DAC sound as good as it possibly can using the technology it is based on.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/smcaudio2/dac.html
DAC technology keeps moving in leaps and bounds.
I, too, love Steve's work, but I think the DAC stuff isn't as much his specialty.
One of the best DAC's for the money, IMHO, is the Ayre Codex, which you can find used for around $1K.
The other would be the Schiit Gungnir or Yggy. A bit harder to find used (with current upgrades), but worth the money.
Like Ayre, Schiit provides upgrades to their equipment when they find it makes a significant difference.
Bob 
Thank you one and all for your advice..I have other "Steve" gear and am very happy.
I hear a lot about R2R ladder type DAC's etc.

I think there may not be enough "there, there" in the DAC 1 to upgrade, but I will give them a call.

I will look for the Ayre in the meantime.
I would like a unit that I can grow with.

Originally the DAC was just for Redbook but the times they are a changing....

Upscale audio has a used VAC 22.2 DAC for $600 any thoughts?

Thank you all again for your time and thoughts.
I will keep you posted.

HG

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