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XA9000ES or Better Quality for a Streaming

What DAC is recommended in order to get good quality streams from as Logitech Duet? I wish to get equal or better quality to my XA9000ES player. All files are ripped at CD lossless or better. I would like to stay around $1000 or less.
patrickp
Post removed 
richlane
167 posts
 
Hi Patrick,

The Benchmark DAC1 is probably one of the best bargains in all of HiFi for $995 new. If you could go to $1500, then I would recommend a used Bel Canto DAC3 which goes for $2500 new.

I've owned both of them and the DAC3 has a better midrange, and is more musical. The Benchmark is more analytical and detailed. You can't go wrong with either one. A person could spend $10,000 on a DAC and only do marginally better.

The Benchmark DAC1 lacks a remote but has a built in headphone AMP if that's important to you, and the Bel Canto DAC3 comes with a remote.
patrickp OP
59 posts
 
I had considered that but was discouraged at the cost. What was your source?
Post removed 
patrickp OP
59 posts
 
DAC1 is on my short list too. I din't have a dealer to listen to this stuff right now so I will rely on recommendsations and www reviews.
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