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Dac recommendations for computer audio

I have recently made the decision to retire my Cal Audio Labs Alpha and Delta combo. I have purchased a new version of the Mac Mini to go Into my system that consists of Salk Sound HT2-TL speakers, an Audio Mirror T-61 preamp, and a Counterpoint NP100 hybrid amp. Now, I need to add a high performing Dac that will deliver an analog-like and organic presentation. The ability to deliver killer midrange with female vocals, a large soundstage and clearly defined instrument separation are must-haves. I am very new to the computer audio world and my head is spinning from trying to keep up with available Dacs in the market. This will be my only source, so I want to get it right. I have an affinity for tubes, but I will keep an open mind and consider SS Dacs that meet these qualifications. My budget is 3k and under. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
houstonjazzfan
ballan
184 posts
 
@Kaplandesign: The VanDeHul and WireWorld glass optical cables have custom polished mini terminations. They sound great and are very well built. The "mini toslink" connector is standardized and has been widely used by Apple and Sony for several years.

There are also some great glass mini toslink optical cables starting to be made by companies using them in medical applications. I might even argue that the mini toslink connector is better than the standard toslink. The mini can have a tighter fit.
houstonjazzfan OP
24 posts
 
Michael,

I agree... My 16 bit version of the Alpha is extremely musical. By the way, I have Sylvania 5751 Gold Pins in my Alpha as well! I want my next dac to provide a similar sense of sheer musicality while providing a bit more inner detail to the music. I'm not great at conveying this in words, but hopefully that makes sense. I will definitely take a look at the Audio Horizons Dac. In the meantime, I might benefit from grabbing a better toslink to mini toslink cable than I am currently using... a cheapo cable from Micro Center. I may take a look at the WireWorld cable since my interconnects are WireWorld Eclipse 6's.
danlib1
819 posts
 


Houstonjazzfan:

The earlier post about the "inferiority" of a Mac's Optical Out connection is not valid in my experience. The individual didn't even realize that numerous companies make very high end Toslink to Mini-Toslink polished glass cables just for Mac usage, so how could they have such an all-encompassing knowledge of that output's "inferiority"?

I've used both Toslink and USB out of my MAC mini, into very high quality DACS. I can tell you that Toslink holds it's own in the better built DACS I've employed.

As usual, opinions vary :)
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I would use a monarchy dip to convert the toslink to aes/ebu and go for the Berkeley DAC. I'm sitting here listening to one and it definitely does all you are asking.
ballan
184 posts
 
Danlib1 is correct. Like I have stated above, the "mini optical" output is much better than some people give it credit for. With the correct cable and DAC, it's my preference for listening to music with the Mac.
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