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older dacs

I have decided to go with a dac rather than buy a new cd player. I feel the transport on my sony dvp s-7700 is still good.

I do have a question however. Has the technology changed that much in dacs where it warrants buying new. Am I better off to buy something that is a few years old for $500 or buy something new for $500. The one that is $500 used probably cost over $1000 new at one time. Not that price always relates to performance.

Also what are your thoughts on tubed dacs. The rest of my gear is SS and I like to leave it on. Will leaving a tubed dac on just put unnecessary wear on tubes.

Let me know
tiggerpooh
midareff
21 posts
 
Until a few months ago I was using a PS Audio Ultralink II in balanced mode... it was very, very good even still blowing off a Sony DVP-S9000 ES (Redbood SACD) player in redbook easily as that was the dedicated transport. Sold it on eBay for about $500 and bought a highly discounted new Marantz SA-11-S1 ($2300 vs. $3500 retail). I have a couple oif hundred hours on the Marantz now and it keeps getting better and better... it was better than the Ultralink right out of the box ice cold as a reference point.
emailists
923 posts
 
My advice is wait a month or two hopefully and PS Audio will have their $999 dac out (maybe find it discounted a bit)

Arnie Nudell heard it and thought it was better than almost any dac out there in Levinson. It's going to be a giant killer and worth a little more than your current budget. PS Audio is doing amazing things these days with low cost gain cell gear. I just got their GCPH phono preamp, and it is excellent.

Wait, save more money and audition it, That;s what I;m doing,
clio09
3,360 posts
 
I'll second the Audio Mirror, but you should also check in to the Channel Islands Audio DAC with separate power supply. I had a chance to hear in Dusty's listening room and it was very impressive. It is in your budget and has a 30 day trial period .
tiggerpooh OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for all of the response. I have narrowed it down to an older dac after some input. Something in the $500 range. Has anyone out there spent any time with a theta. I'll let you guys know what ends up on the shelf...
warnerwh
539 posts
 
Channel Island audio will be releasing the VDA 2. A completely different dac which will no doubt be near SOTA. It's too much to go into here but check the Channel Island forum at audiocircle.com. Dusty said they should be ready by Christmas. He has been working on this for a while. It will have a gentle sloped filter with the best parts and dac available. With his knowledge and ability it's my best guess it's going to be outstanding at 600.00 new. I'm getting one for Christmas for myself. Don't wait for the reviews or he could end up raising the price. I seriously doubt you'll find much used that would be competitive one on one with this new dac, just my .02 worth.
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