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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
 
I only used my Havana with an AppleTV and it was great. That said, I did find a big improvment by using a really good TosLink cable, and I am imfamously anti-crazy-cable improvments. But in this case it made a very big differnce.
tom92602
65 posts
 
Thanks Macdadtexas.. I will be on the lookout for a
used Havana now. I can't wait to get my hands on an AppleTV
so I can disassemble it to paint it matte black to match my
Krell gear.. I may even get fancy and air brush a little
silver apple on the front.

ejlif replied in different post that he tried the Van Den Hul,
Wireworld, and Audioquest Toslink cables. He ended up
liking the Audioquest Optilink 5 best of all 3 so I have my
cable picked out also.
gherrera1 OP
88 posts
 
Now look what you did Tom. Just when my new iMac and man cave are set up you go and ask about ATV and Havana.

Now I'm interested in what you find. And if you mod your apple TV, I'd like to see it.

Gerardo
Ag insider logo xs@2x
edwyun
244 posts
 
The Music Hall DAC25.2 would work.
Switch the EH6992 tube with a circa 60's Amperex 7308 or Tesla E88CC. The tube is in the single ended output but NOT the balanced output.
mjm1124
25 posts
 
The PS Audio Digital Link III is a great DAC...I love it....Balanced outputs, 2 digital inputs, USB, low jitter andless than a grand..not tube though.
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