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Too many DAC decisions

Yes, I know, you just have to hold your nose and jump in the water, sooner or later. But in this case, we’re talking not chump change when investing in a venture in computer audio. I will commit to the Mac Mini, a Raid or Drobos backup, various cabling….but the dac! I’m not especially ‘digital’ literate, and cannot fathom the different sampling rates, connections (USB 2, and future 3, fire wire, I2s, thunderbolt, etc.). But my main expense will be a decent dac. I’m 200 miles away from a major metropolitan area. Even if I could get someone to send samples of dacs, setting up individual software/cabling/drivers would be beyond my means. What to consider?
Young, Weiss, Berkley, Zodiac, Invicta, Meitner, and on, and on, until next week, when a bevy of high-end dacs will appear to muddy the picture (and decision making process).
I am sure I’m am not the only one to be in this quandary; I read on this forum and others (Asylum, Computer Audio, several manufacturers web sites) similar rants but I can’t seem to see the best solution to making an informed decision. Listening to dacs in dealer’s showrooms is an artificial evaluation, compared to your home environment. Sorry for the verbosity, but I am ready to make to leap but don’t know which way to jump.
farmdoc
audiofreakgeek
115 posts
 

Farmdoc,

You are right it is a difficult decision, personally I tend to stick with the larger manufacturers as they have the resources to build class leading products and can invest much more in r&d than the ity bitty guys.

There are many dacs that are worth considering, right now one of the best sources is Computer Audiophile, and that will only be of somewhat limited use as there recommendations are not for your system.

You may be 200 miles away from a metropolitan area and the dealer or dealers you visit may not be able to replicate your system but you still may be able to hear something that might work for you.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,367 posts
 
Why don't you ask advice right here? List your gear and listening preferences and see what you get back. If you are so uncertain of what to do why not try a used cheaper DAC like the EE minimax or Benchmark or even a MHDT Paradisea or Havana. You won't get hurt much on it if you don't like it. I have had some pretty expensive CD players over the years and I've gotten as good of sound out of DACs costing much less. Or just get something like the DCS Debussy if you have the budget for it.
abruce's avatar
abruce
245 posts
 
You don't have to get into computer audio, take your time and enjoy learning. I did buy a Mach2 mini and a EE Mini max and enjoy them,but sometimes I think I rushed myself for no reason
Good luck with your decision
farmdoc OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the reaffirmation of pacing oneself, Abruce; I'll keep that in mind.

Yes, I have read Computer Audiophile on a regular basis to educate myself, and it does help me with the lingo. As far as choosing a piece of equipment, it (as well as other sites) have not been as helpful. Sure, they rate different dacs, but the reviews seem so subjective (as well they might), it is like auditioning a dac in a dealer's showroom on equipment/room far removed from your enviroment.

Ejlif, I am running a Hovland hp 100 (modded)->Bel 1001 mono's->Meadowlark Blue Heron 2's, with Audience 24e IC/Sword Supra speaker cable. Running Springs Jaco conditioner.

Appreciate the input.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
smortega
70 posts
 
Do some on-line homework. Get your feet wet with a DAC that's somewhat proportional to your setup's quality- don't experiment with something too "cheap" or extravagant. There's an element of risk to your initial entry into computer audio but risk can be managed by limiting your outlay, perhaps buying used (remember Moore's Law is in effect though- buying a used DAC is buying older technology). But you will have access to a huge amount of sources via the net and a new way to use CD's. I've experienced frustration but also a lot of fun.
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