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Need Advice on a DAC for my Music Server?

I live in the Dallas, TX area and i can't really find way here to audition any dac. Currently i'm currently rig = merdian 506.24 cdp>naim amp>wilson benesch Curve. I'm pretty happy with this setup. I've been using a theta pro II Dac with my mac (apple lossless) and m-audio usb through s/pdif. The does not sound as good as my CDP player. I'm thinking about purchasing a new dac. I've read alot about many dacs and would like to spend about 1500 USD. To give a idea of my listening prefrence, i really like the sound of the naim cdp. I've heard alot about the bel canto dac2 and the benchmark dac1.

As mention above, i can't audition these.....so can anyone recomend me which is better suited for me or maybe somethng else. I just don't want to buy and return things over the mail.

Thankds
seekill
pardales
652 posts
 
Do check out threads on just this topic that have appeared here before--much good info already been written. That said, I think Audioadvisor.com sells both the Bel Canto and Benchmark and offers a 30 day trial so you do not have to keep them if you don't want.

For just a little more than your price you might be able to find a used Dodson 217 MK II-D which is a great DAC. If you did not like it, you could sell it easily.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
If you like the sound of the Naim gear I can't see you liking the Bel Canto or the Benchmark. One thing you may want to consider is the Emprical Audio Off Ram Turbo (modified M-Transit) with a DAC. Emprical modifies the Benchmark, but I would also check out non-os DACs.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Look into non-os DACs as well such as Audio Mirror, Audio Note, 47 Labs, etc. There are many excellent ones available within your budget, some for a lot less than you're willing to spend.
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