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Good Entry-Level DAC

So I had a nice California Audio Labs (sort of ) tubed  DAC that I used with my Rotel CD player. It ,made a huge difference to the sound; after getting it, I re-discovered my CDs! 

I moved over to a NAD C516 BEE CD Player (I know, entry level, but that's what I've got) a couple of years ago or three. I found the DAC didn't make any audible difference; so I sold it.

I think the NAD has a pretty good DAC Chip ( 24/192 Cirrus Logic Delta/Sigma DAC, whatever that means). Is there a reasonably priced ( < $1K) DAC that could significantly improve the sound?

Ideas, anyone? 

gasbose


gasbose
gasbose's avatar
gasbose OP
82 posts
 
Thanks, all!

I appreciate your input. I will look at these options!

Gasbose
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I still doubt any of these suggestions will significantly improve upon the DAC in the NAD. If you simply want a new DAC that’s a different thing altogether.
gasbose's avatar
gasbose OP
82 posts
 
djones, 

I'm not really lusting over a new DAC; just wondering if I can get better sound. You say you doubt any of them will be a significant improvement. Is that because the NAD is so good? Or the others not good? Or do DACs just not make so much of a difference?


mlsstl
1,473 posts
 
Why don't you pick one of the above suggestions from a seller with a good return policy and check if YOU can spot a difference that's worth it between your current setup and this one?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
It's like you said in your original post it is a pretty good DAC in the NAD. It's not that some of these DACs mentioned wouldn't sound different, not necessarily better, but you were asking about significant improvement. You already noticed how you couldn't tell any difference when you got the NAD from it and the other DAC. If some of the ones mentioned look intriguing I would make sure I could return them with a trial period. I've certainly been there and done that. 
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