What would you buy Sub $350 Firewire/USB DAC

I have a piece of hardware similar to the Focusrite--an M-Audio Fast Track Pro that I use for dumping midi and misc. audio into ProTools. While I find this to a useful piece of hardware, I never considered the output to be that good. I suspect that the DACs with the M-Audio aren't quite as good as those in the Focusrite.

The M-Audio does offer digital output, however. I wonder if I could use that with a non-USB DAC but remain concerned that it would be one more piece of equipment (and an extra variable) in the line.

I placed an offer for an iRoc that's listed on this forum, but I doubt the seller will consider it as it is worth much more than I can afford to offer for now.

Sub $350 you should seriously consider the Audiosector. You might also consider the VALAB DAC (which sell on eBay under Vintage Audio Labs) for $180. I have seen a used iRoc DAC go for as low as $485 recently.

One other to consider is the Audio Magus MagiDAC. Looks good on paper.

I just visited the Audio Magus site, and I don't see the MagiDac listed. Is that a discontinued item? If so, perhaps I can find a used one at a good price.

I am both excited and riddled with indecision as it seems that there are a number of possibilities, even buying new, that match my budget.

I'll keep posting as I move forward just in case someone else is considering a similar purchase.

At the risk of perseverating, thank you once again to all for your valuable advice.

Best,

--Patrick

OK, since the OP has generously undertaken to inform the curious of his discoveries... there are two DACs at the low end which interest me. One is the Beresford, from the U.K.

http://www.beresford.me/others/main.html

and the other is the VALAB mentioned above, which is made by an outfit in Taiwan and sold on eBay.

http://stores.ebay.ca/Vintage-Audio-Lab

I would use such a converter with a computer-based portable system if its sound were better than that of my M-Audio Audiophile USB external.

I tend towards the VALAB DAC because their description on eBay is wonderfully enticing. The unit is said to be "sweat sounding", and I'm sure that would be great for rock.

Here is a little more information--I'll have to fill in some blanks....



AudioSector USB NOS DAC Peter Daniel
$280
NOS
USB Others?


Bersesford TC-7510 MK6/4
£200
US twin WM8740
Digital Only


Blue Circle USB
$190
?
USB/SPDIF


Cambridge Audio DacMagic
$399

USB/Coax/Optical


DIYEDEN SVDAC05 USB DAC
$199
CS4398 / PCM2704



Fubar III
$350
PCM2702/OPA2604AP
USB


KECES 151 USB DAC
$225
NOS PCM 2702
USB


MHDT Paradisea
&599
NOS Philips TDA 1545A
USB / toslink / coaxial


Musical Fidelity V-DAC
$300

USB/Coax/Optical


Musiland MD 10 Bit Select USB DAC
$300
USCS4398
USB/Coax/BNC


Styleaudio Carat HD1-V
£130
Burr Brown 2704
USB


Vintage Audio Lab DAC
$180
NOS TDA 1543
USB/Digital


Yulong DAH 1 USB DAC
$280
AD1955
USB/Coax