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affordable DAC for rock/metal

Any headbangers with suggestions for a DAC around $300?

I have Klipsch Heresy and Onkyo A-9555, which sounds great and I want to upgrade to an external DAC from the pc soundcard I've been using.

The overall sound I like is crunchy, full and dynamic with presence to suit live rock shows.

I'm guessing the DAC should be able to separate instruments well and have a clear, neutral midrange.

The Heresys don't sound bright to me, so I'm thinking something that makes the even more alive would work.
mstapletn
4est
507 posts
 
The Valab DAC is very dynamic...
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,948 posts
 
mhdt Constantine is up to the task + sounds very good on all kinds of music.
mstapletn OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the input. Looks like I might try the valabs.
rooski
37 posts
 
Yeah, I have to agree about the Valab. When I was comparing a Valab to some other dacs (Dacmagic being one of them), the one thing I really liked about the Valab was it's ability to allow me to totally crank up my nastiest sounding rock/metal cd's, and they remained listenable and enjoyable, even with my Magnepans. I ended up settling on a Jolida player, but I hung onto the Valab and I'm considering throwing it back into the rig, and use it on occasion as a "party" dac :-)
newbrook
82 posts
 
Are there some DACs that sound better for Jazz, Classical, books on "tape," or Folk?

Isn't the most accurate always the best?
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