Dac recommendations for computer audio

Ballan,

Thanks for the follow up. Ideally, I would love to hear several of the contenders in my own system, but I know that is probably not going to happen. I'm looking for a a dac that delivers a liquid smooth midrange... I don't want any dac that would fall in the category of being considered analytical, cool, bright or harsh with certain music. I guess I have a fear that some of the SS dacs would fall into that camp. Please keep the feedback coming. Thanks.

@Houstonjazzfan: I look for the same thing in a DAC. I've enjoyed good analog playback, but want the convenience and flexibility of digital.

The NOS DACs give me that sense of presence and air. The Shigaraki DAC (which is simple enough that I can build my own) is one design I really like.

I also like the Altmann Attraction DAC, but it's battery powered, so not as convenient.

The Naim has the sound that I like, is very flexible, upgradable with Naim's power supplies and processes way past 24/192. It also sounds great with my Mac, which is what I prefer to use for digital playback.

Another option that I like is the Wavelength DACs. They sound very good, with an "analog and tubey" sound. (I don't think "tubey" is a word.) :D

I own the PS Audio combo that has been recommended, but I'm thinking about selling it. It's a great piece of kit, but I prefer the Naim. The PS Audio is very detailed and clear, but that leads to a more analytical sound. It's not a bad thing, just not my thing.

1) The Optical Output on a Mac is a non-Standard size, with that said! I'm not aware of any high end Cable vendors making high end Optical Cables with the small connector to fit on a MAC Since its a non-Standard Interface.

Yes I'm sure you can find an adapter! ever time you use and adapter it changes the sound and not in a good way!

Here's the link to amazon to buy it for one penny!
http://www.amazon.com/Toslink-To-Optical-Mini-Adapter/dp/B0002MQGRM

More forums: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=696269

Check out the discussion threads on the Apple website! Not good News! http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1808555

2) USB is the only viable alternative to Firewire Fire Wire DAC are few and far between. There's Apogee DAC's Pro-Audio!, Most DAC's that support Firewire are pro-Audio DAC's and not really intended for home Audio use since Firewire is standard interface for Pro Audio.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/weiss2/minerva.html

Every DAC out there will sound differently on every system!

The Best Value is a USB DAC is the Music Streamer II+

Its also important to bring music to a store that you know, but once again that showrooom may be using mismatched cables in their system and it will cause their source components to sound bright, harsh etc..

Check out the reviews! for $349.95 its low risk investment! I've sold over 30 and no one has complained that it sounds bright or harsh! With that said there's a lot of cables that can sound bright and harsh. I heard a pair of speaker cables recently that provided a lot of information that were very bright and harsh these sold for over $8000 a pair!

Good luck!

Houston,

You say that you want "analog-like and organic presentation... killer midrange with female vocals, a large soundstage and clearly defined instrument separation".

Before shelling out $3K on a new DAC, you already have a well-regarded DAC that embodies many of these qualities. I own an Alpha. Perhaps the most cost-effective upgrade could be new tubes for the Alpha. I personally found the NOS Sylvania 5751's to be my favorite.

That said, I got an Audio Horizons DAC that bests the Alpha in many areas, although the Alpha definitely sits on the warmer side and is well-suited for music that benefits from that. The Audio Horizons satisfies your "clearly defined instrument separation" better. At half your maximum price closeout, the Audio Horizons would be a good possibility.

Yes, DAC's have come a long way over the years, but the Alpha remains a solid contender with the right tubes and associated equipment.

Just my 2 cents.

Michael