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DAC Recommendations

I'm looking for a DAC to use with my Bolder modded Squeezebox, that I run into a Behringer DEQ, then straight to my amps. I will also connect my Oppo 970 to it for movies.

I've tried a couple of the current "favs" without much success.
-Lite DAC AH, it was okay, not great. But it won't decode 2 channel info from DVD's
-Mhdt Paradisea, great midrange, but rolled off extremes and no "punch"
-Benchmark DAC-1, too bright/harsh for me

I also tried a TacT 2.0 digital pre with room correction and absolutely loved the DAC section. It was airy & detailed without being harsh. It threw a huge soundstage and had great dynamics. The problem with it is, I need a PC to run the room correction software. I only own a Mac and it's a desktop in another part of the house. As much as I liked the sound, I'm not going to buy another computer/OS just to run the room correction software.

Any ideas on where I can get a sound similar to the TacT, in a DAC for around $1k?

Thanks
ecruz
restock
831 posts
 
Benchmark DAC-1, too bright/harsh for me

I can't say the latest DAC1 USB is harsh or bright, even compared to a Wavelength Brick.

Otherwise a Lavry DA10 might do.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
This is a tall order. I don't know how you can find anything better than the Benchmark DAC-1 for $1K.

Benchmark shouldn't be bright. If you feel it is, maybe something else is wrong in your system. Have you tried driving your amp directly from DAC-1 bypassing the preamp? That will give you a good idea of its sound. Also, have you tried feeding it a different digital source?
ecruz OP
402 posts
 
I don't currently own a pre, so I am driving the amps directly from the DAC.

Maybe "bright" wasn't the correct term. At louder levels and with more complex music, everything gets congested and a little hard to listen to. This definitely did not happen with the TacT in the system.
restock
831 posts
 
Maybe "bright" wasn't the correct term. At louder levels and with more complex music, everything gets congested and a little hard to listen to. This definitely did not happen with the TacT in the system.

I did not notice this with the latest DAC1 USB. The USB does have an upgraded output stage, which should help and make it worth another listen. If you like the Tact so much the decision should be easy - worst case get a Mac Mini with parallels or Bootcamp to run the room correction software. And then use the Mini as music server ;)
undertow
1,033 posts
 
"Lite DAC AH, it was okay, not great. But it won't decode 2 channel info from DVD's "

Ecruz, not sure where this is happening, I have owned the unit and 2 friends have one as well.. All using DVD players as transports, they all play perfect 2 channel dolby from any dvd disc thrown at them, there must have been something strange about your DVD transport output to that dac in specific.

However purchasing a modified version of this Unit is by far better than the original Dac ah for a couple hundred more using far better op amps or none at all. Not defending this dac as I don't use it anymore but for that kinda money it is easily the best available, and yes the benchmark is a ear piercing nightmare in comparison. But in these changing digital times I would definitely look at buying something with USB for the comparable 500 to 1000 dollar price tags.
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