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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
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.
edgejazz
46 posts
 
The DACMagic lifted my modest system beautifully, even right out of the box. Yes it's a fantastic bargain with features I can grow into. I've long been curious whether the 24/192 DAC in my player can be improved with an outboard processor and I'm happy to discover it did. Give it a try.
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