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suggestions for updating via DAC.....

Im looking to upgrade my system, and thought a DAC may be the way to go, since I still listen to a decent amount of CDs (I do have a bit of music on my iphone (although at lower resolution)). Any suggestions for a DAC at 2K or lower? Or any suggestions for bettering my system another way? I'm open to suggestions.

My system:

musical fidelity a3c amp and pre-amp.
martin logan aeon i speakers
NAD 542c cd player
music hall 7.1 turntable with clear audio virtuoso wood cartridge

THANKS!!!
moose123
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
It would be helpful to know what you are missing with the NAD?
A few years ago I owned the C541i and thought it was great for the $.
joncourage
185 posts
 
An Audio Note 2.1 kit DAC can be had, meticulously built by Pete Fulton, for under 2k, possibly a 3.1

These DACs are non-oversampling, tubed, although limited to 18/96, but imo are extremely hard to beat at their price level. The sound is liquid, relaxed, analog-like, extended, with excellent dynamics and 3-dimensionality.

I recently heard the EE, but have not heard the Metrum. The EE is nice, but does not compare imo to the AN DAC.

I am not in any way business-related to Pete Fulton (digitalpete) but a very happy customer of 2 of his DACs, and have talked to other happy customers of his. Also, I've owned 3 AN DACs and have always come back to them after trying others.
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
My suggestion.

Buy a Mac Mini, a Wyred4sound DAC 2 (asynchronus USB + pre volume control) and never again fight with disc transport limitations. Probably closer to $2200 but now you can step into 24 bit HD downloads.
jult52
155 posts
 
"Buy a Mac Mini ... and never again fight with disc transport limitations."

Instead struggles with system configuration, internal CPU noise and the hassles of downloading your CD collection.
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