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Any experiences with a Diyeden Great March II?

Thinking of getting an inexpensive DAC. Not convinced it will make much of a difference with my mp3/AAC/lossless files via Apple TV, when compared to the Apple's internal DAC. Maybe it will. For $300-$500 I'm willing to check it out. For $900, I'll pass.

In the $300-$500 family, a couple of DACs stand out, mostly for looks...the Diyeden Great March II, and the Musiland MD-10.

The MD-10 has a nice looking LCD screen, and apparently switchable inputs, but no upsampling.

The Great March II has XLRs out and upsampling but no discernable interface or controls. It is more expensive.

Can anyone shed some light on these 2?

Thanks!
rkny
rkny OP
47 posts
 
Ugh. Problems with this DAC.

The balanced Signal Cables arrived. When I use the balanced outs on the DAC to the balanced ins on my Rowland pre, I get about a -5db cut in volume as compared to using RCAs out. The sound via XLR also seems mushier and less dynamic, even if I turn it up. I can't imagine it's the cables.

Add to this a low but fairly loud hum when using the XLRs with the volume turned way up. No hum whatsoever with the RCAs.

Normally I wouldn't care, but I bought the cables specifically to take advantage of both the DAC's balanced outs and my preamps balanced ins.
jb0194
476 posts
 
Unfortunately, not every piece of audio gear with XLR connections is truly balanced (i.e., has fully floating ground with no reference to earth). I hope this is not the case with your gear.
noshortcuts
16 posts
 
I found this thread after seeing these are on sale. Hard to find much on this unit, so thanks for the feedback. I too was attracted to the balanced outs but I guess I'll pass.
cutterfilm
59 posts
 
looking at this unit. how do you switch inputs? is it auto sensing?
toriko
1 posts
 
I own a Great March II and have A/B it to a Benchmark One and Matrox Mini DACs. I found the DAC to be warm and musical, highs are never too clinical. I prefer this DAC over the Matrix Mini. The Benchmark leads slightly in definition and presentation but not musicality. For $320 it is a wonderful DAC. I hope this helps.
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