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DAC choice advice - hard-drive based system

Putting together a system using network-attached USB hard drive (LaCie 500GB through a Linksys NSLU2), all music ripped lossless (FLAC), delivered over my 802.11g wireless net using a Squeezebox3.

In the general price range I'm considering, the Audiomirror, Perpetual Tech, Stello, and (it seems you can't *not* consider this) the Benchmark, all look interesting. I realize the Audiomirror takes a different approach as it's n/os.

I listen to a very wide variety of music.

Can you guys help me out with the pro's and con's of these options? I'm new to the DAC concept - am I missing anything I should be considering?

Also, what is the concept behind something like the Perpetual Tech P-1A? I don't really understand what it does (but have a general sense of the concept of oversampling). Is it just oversampling, similar to what's already built into the Benchmark for instance? How about the Audio Alchemy stuff, what's that do?

Thanks! Great forum, it's nice to have access to experts that don't mind speaking in language plain enough for us neophytes...
sixstringslinger3b7a
kenn39
75 posts
 
Going by popular opinion, Benchmark DAC-1 is a "can't go wrong" choice at a given price point. Except that if you crave for warm sound, then don't bother.

It would be best to audition at least a short list of DACs, but if you have to gamble, the odds is very good on Benchmark DAC-1.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Sixstring - just dont buy an older Benchmark. It wont sound the same.
sashav
72 posts
 
How does Musical Fidelity X-DAC V3 compare to Benchmark DAC-1 (same price range)? Does anyone have any experience?
planckscale
60 posts
 
sixstringslinger, what DAC did you end up with?

I went trough this post before realizing the Benchmark DAC-1 was suggested and emphasized by one person only. I hope you did not overlook other choices.

Am also on the market for are DAC
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent
525 posts
 
mr pancake- the scott nixon usbtd is a non- oversampled usb tube dac...i have the regular tube dac that he makes and am very happy with the results...the fella that recommended my tube dac to me ownes the usb version...he is a well versed stereohead and thoroughly enjoys it...they go for around $500.

brent

ps: i mean planckscale :)
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