FWIW:
I don't know that much about DAC's either, but will say that the Dodson DAC that I own makes a HUGE positive difference in my system. I got it for ABOUT 1800 or so and it retailed for around 5000. The unit I own is a Dodson 217 Mark II D DAC with updated 218-like software and a transformer upgrade It's been replaced in the Dodson line with the 218, which is apparently even better, and retails for more also.
The point: If you can find a used 217 Mark II D DAC with upgraded 218-like software and possibly the transformer upgrade, then I suspect that it's HIGHLY unlikely that you wouldn't be thrilled with its performance.
I could be dead wrong, but I doubt it, at least for this item. It's the real deal.
-Bill
I don't know that much about DAC's either, but will say that the Dodson DAC that I own makes a HUGE positive difference in my system. I got it for ABOUT 1800 or so and it retailed for around 5000. The unit I own is a Dodson 217 Mark II D DAC with updated 218-like software and a transformer upgrade It's been replaced in the Dodson line with the 218, which is apparently even better, and retails for more also.
The point: If you can find a used 217 Mark II D DAC with upgraded 218-like software and possibly the transformer upgrade, then I suspect that it's HIGHLY unlikely that you wouldn't be thrilled with its performance.
I could be dead wrong, but I doubt it, at least for this item. It's the real deal.
-Bill