Help with my first DAC under 2K.

I play 256 kbps AAC files that I have downloaded through a Wadia 170iTransport and a Wadia 151PowerDAC mini and while I agree that at higher resolution more music info is available to both listener and equipment at my age (54) the result is more than satisfying - the newer AACs in particular especially from the jazz labels are very good- in fact to my ears the sonic results from those newer recordings eclipse lossless files ripped from many of my older CDs - just my 2 cents

Tranquility USB DAC... reconditioned units from dbAudiolabs under $1k... a complete no-brainer, new under $2k.

But you might want to seriously consider getting a Mac mini to feed it... will make a big difference. Doesn't have to be a 2010 Mac mini but something like a 2007 forward would be work better (IMHO) than a Windoz PC of some kind.

Give Eric Hider a call (see the dbaudiolabs website for a phone number).

Just my experience...

:) listening,

Ed

Agree with all the above posts. Re-rip to higher res, throw it on a NAS or MAC. Also, I just posted a new thred under Digital about Signal Path's iDAC. It will have an all-digital iPod dock with it. It comes out in January. No idea on pricing yet.

But there are literally tons of dacs under $2k. W4S DAC1 is a $1k. Bel Canto 1.5 is $1,500. You can get a Cary Xciter DAC for around a grand used. Retails at $1,500. Then you have the DacMagic and PS Audio DLIII for around $700 or less. Good luck.

W4S DAC2. May be your first and last DAC for many years.

Neal

Tranquility DAC