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Quest for an external Dac has resulted in me way down the rabbit hole

Hi audio wizards!  I’ve read several articles and reviews about the benefits of a good quality external DAC, and the potential for “real” improvements in musical quality in a current system. I do believe my system might be in line .  I currently have a Rotel 955 CD player I like, a nodeii and a Creek evo 100 integrated amp.  The Ohm 1000 speakers sound a little lean in the top end although I do like them overall.  At this point I’ve been looking for a Dac that would bring a little more “spring and liven up my system”.  However, the more I research, the more confused I get.  I’ve been to a couple higher end stereo stores and I seem to just get the “party line”.  I live in Denver Colorado, and although I like the PS Audio line I can’t afford them.  If any one has any advice for me on a good quality external     
Dac model for under $1000 (new or used) I could sure use the help! Thank you

 

128x128dbwinters
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@dbwinters 

One good thing about the Denafrips, if you try something else down the road, you will probably be able to sell it for what you paid. They are highly sought after on the used market. At least they are now. The others? You would probably take a typical ‘hit’ reselling (30-50%).

dbwinters's avatar
dbwinters OP
11 posts
 

Thanks bkeske, I can’t think of a better reason to try the denafrips

 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,203 posts
 

Very easy just look at all the rave reviews the Denafrips Aries-2 under $1k

be sure to buy a decent Ethernet cable and USB the Wireworld Starlight 8 is a great Ethernet and usb cable .

bigkidz
3,403 posts
 

What do you think you will gain from spending $1000 over the Rotel CDP?  You would be better off sending me the Rotel for an upgrade.  $1000 can sure buy much better parts like Audio Note capacitors and resistors, a good choke, etc., that you won't get from a $1000 DAC.  Just more of the same.

 

Happy Listening. 

realworldaudio
174 posts
 

If you like PSAudio, then I would warmly recommend being on the look for a used older PSAudio DAC, like the DL/III or UltraLink II. When they show up, you can expect around 500$.

Do not be put off that they are older models. They play music, and provide substance - which is something that DACs in general very rarely do, regardless the price. Also, when you step up the amplification and the rest of the system to very high level later on, these older PSAudio DACs will be able to keep up. All you need to do is upgrade a few parts, if you dare to go to the DIY road... and you have a DAC for life. 

 

 

 

 

  

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