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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
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.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,211 posts
 
mhdt paradisea and replace the stock GE tube with a NOS Tung Sol equivalent for a more full range sound with better authority in the low end.
stearnsn
89 posts
 
I have been happy with the Apogee Mini-dac. It could replace your amp as it includes one. You can find them for $600-800 or so.
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