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Which DAC would fit me best?

I would appreciate any help that I can get, as I've been reading reviews of DACs for the past week and have no idea what to get.
-My budget is $400, I'd like to spend less, but let me know
-My headphones are BD DT880 '03
-My amp is a Little Dot MKIII
-I'm using my MacBookPro as my source
As far as music choices go, I like to listen to some modern Rock, Jazz, Classical; so a pretty fair range.

I know it all boils down to just jumping an picking one, but I'd love to see if anyone had any specific recommendations based upon my setup.
csommers
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ncarv
983 posts
 
A 40 regular, maybe?
2chnlben
595 posts
 
I've heard really good things about the $400 Cambrige Audio DacMagic - balanced outboard DAC. I've not heard it myself, but I know two people who told me that it is a fantastic bargain. It has been getting good press too. If I was in the market for a $400 DAC, I would definitely want to audition this one.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/cambridge-audio-dacmagic
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
At $400 I would look for a used Paradisea here on AGon. My Musiland MD10 (USB)($300 new)is great, but the Paradisea is better.

Just guessing, but I think the Paradisea would also beat the Dac Magic.
mb9061
137 posts
 
Though I haven't heard one specifically, I'd second the Paradisea as it's MHDT and close to the Havana. I'm happy with the Havana after owning a Musiland MD10, a Benchmark DAC1 and Bel Canto DAC3. More laid back, albeit not near the jitter control of the DAC1 or DAC3.
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
I personally think the Benchmark DAC sounds terrible - thin, amusical, artificial.

The MHDT DACs are all outstanding for the money. They are all in the NOS/filterless which to me is the best way to do digital.

I use a MHDT Dialogue at the office. $200.
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