Best DAC around 1,000

I just received my EVS Millenium II DAC, and I highly recommend putting it on your list. The info is at www.tweakaudio.com Ric offers a 30-day trial, and the cost is $1050, with an unheard of 50% going to parts. It should compare favorably with DACs with resales of $2000-$3000.

Unfortunately, I've never heard any other DACs. I have owned various CDPs...a Luxman D300-something, a Denon 2650, a Revox B226s, a Rega Planet, A Studer A727, and a Pioneer DV05 DVD player. The DAC II is much better than all of them. I don't know if you'll like it best, but you should definitely consider it in that price range.

Ric had a lot of delays, but he's finally shipping. THe waiting list shouldn't be too long at this point.

I'd recommend auditioning the Shigaraki DAC from 47 labs. www.sakurasystems.com
I just had one in my system for a few months... retail is $1250 but might be avaialable for a little less somewhere... ?

Worth a listen for sure.

Used Muse 2 dac is wellworth auditioning as well. usually around $600 used.

-Ed

By a used Muse DAC2. They can be found used for $500-$700.
Im my opinion, there is nothing under $3000 than touches it.
Good luck, Wendell.

Try an Assemblege DAC 3.1. I have Rogue 66 and Coincident Super Conquests.The DAC 3.1 sounds great with this gear.

I use the Bel Canto 1.0 which I am going to have upgraded to 1.1 status. The BC is very smooth which may work well with your setup. If you look into the Muse DAC 2 it would be better to locate one with the Bessel filter and perhaps the HDCD upgrades (even if you do not use HDCD material there is another filter involved in the HDCD upgrade that is said to also improve standard CD feedback). I almost went with the Muse and contacted the last reviewer of the DAC at AudioReview.com, quite some time ago, who was very helpful (these were his recommendations and he owns it). If you are looking for greater detail and the future option of running directly into a power amp, then the Birdland DAC is another runner up. If I were starting over again I would be sorely tempted to take the EVS DAC on trial as the designer/builder has a very good rep. I assume that DAC's like any thing else are system as well as taste (obviously) dependent and if you are planning on purchasing new, then see if a trial demo with a return priviledge is available (they all sound different).