2. digital
  3. 1257684865

New DAC recommendation $1K, hopefully tube.

I currently use a Benchmark DAC1 and really like it. With a new iMac on the way, the DAC1 will be used for headphone duty only on my desk.

So now I need a new DAC for the Krell/Focal system. I'm open to any suggestions following these guidlines:

1. Prefer tube as I'd like to see what they offer.
2. Less than $1K.
3. Prefer balanced outputs, but not necessary.
4. Multiple digital inputs.
5. Excellent jitter reduction for Airport Express.

Thank you,
gherrera1
gherrera1
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
MHDT Labs Havana was absolutley STELLAR!! I tried 8 DAC's in the last year, and this may have been my favorite actually. It is very musical, whatever that means, it sounds rich and full. It's just not as extended as some of the SS DAC's so I finally settled, happily, on the Bryston BDA-1. But I absolutely loved the Havana. I think anyone who has had one has loved it.
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Although not a tube DAC, I would check into the New Wyred DAC. Great sound, great build and great price.
Wyred has an audition program.
gherrera1 OP
88 posts
 
Macdadtexas, those are the exact two dacs I'm considering at the moment!

I may upgrade the ap express to a mac mini so I'm also looking into a wavelength brick or another nos dac.

Never heard of wyred but will check it out.
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
The Havana is a great DAC (I own it), but I don't think it's well known for jitter reduction. I use mine in a second system (under construction), and will go USB with it from a Macbook I3. In my main system, I use a Mac Mini, and I insert an Empirical Audio Pacecar to reclock and address the jitter issue to my DAC. That said, I've also run optical cable directly from the Mini to my DAC (a Modwright modified Transporter), and it still sounds really good without the Pacecar. I'm not sure how much the Transporter DAC is jitter immune (I think they do present it as somewhat jitter reducing) compared to the Havana. But for some reason, gathered from previous readings, I think that there would be less jitter using a Mac Mini and optical than using the airport. And what really matters is how the end product sounds to you.
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