2. digital
  3. 1067807943

Favorite DAC?

As I am pondering venturing into the DAC arena, there are a few that come to mind. My question is what is your personal favorite and why? Also, do you prefer the Solid State versions or the Tubed versions? Certain ones that I am considering would be the Electrocompaniet, AudioMeca, Levinson, Musical Fidelity in the solid state. In the tubed version would be like a Kora or an Audio Logic.

Thanks for all opinions.

Good listening,

Steve
sbachman
libor35
26 posts
 
Weiss MEDEA, after owning emm labs DAC6, dCS Purcell/Delius, ML 30.6 and 380S, Audiomeca Enkianthus, Cello Reference DAC, Meridian 861, Pacific Microsonics Model One, among others.
danlib1
819 posts
 
I'm very happy with the Electrocompaniet ECD-1. I must say though that I find the sound of Dacs-like most things audio-to be a highly personal and subjective thing. I strongly suggest auditioning a few if possible to determine your choice. It might save you a few Audiogon transactions!
joyelyse
42 posts
 
I love my Bel Canto DAC2, but while I auditioned lots of single box CD players, the Bel Canto is the only DAC I auditioned. Have fun listening!
budrew
467 posts
 
Can't leave out the Audio Note DACs. One of the component additions that got me saying "wow", again and again.
caterham1700
271 posts
 
I'd also be in full agreement with Budrew's recommendation of the non-filtered, non-oversampling AudioNotes as well as my personal favorites, the 47Labs Progression and Shigaraki DAC's.

These units have finally persuaded me that Redbook CD is a genuinely musically viable format.
I'd not felt that way until their advent.

Every digital source that I had been exposed to prior to the 47 labs and AN devices always annoyed with a persistance impression of a mechanical process underlying the music.

These units have an alluring directness and natural ease that must be heard. Being a dyed-in-the-wool hardcore vinyl advocate, that's the highest praise I can give.
More to discover