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Recommendation Temporary DAC

My ARC DAC 8 does not appear to be passing a signal, and I imagine it will soon be boxed up and going in the shop.  I am thinking about getting a temporary DAC.  Would like to spend no more than $500...$1000 max.  I can't even begin to weigh and balance the pros and cons of older, higher build quality devices vs the latest little plastic box that has the best tech and may sound better.  Key limitation: Needs XLR input.  Older model that I have noticed is NAD51, newer one is Nuprime DAC 9, as examples only.  Ideas?  Is new tech so good that I should be looking to leapfrog the ARC  8 altogether?  DAC will feed an ARC preamp.  Thanks

mathiasmingus
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
747 posts
 
BiFrost doesn’t have an AES input which is what the OP was looking for. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,511 posts
 
Singxer SDA2 has every input except BNC.
You don't need the advanced version that has an improved clock for USB.
It also plays DSD that Schiit don't and won't.
soix
8,967 posts
 
The Gustard A18 is $569 and there’s a Bel Canto DAC2.7 on US Audio Mart for $1100.  Best of luck. 
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