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Budget DAC with Optical Digital input

Putting together a portable system for some travelling I'll be doing this summer. I am getting a Sony Discman with an optical digital out, some Senn 600's, a headphone amp (undetermined, tubed would be nice). Something with at least a 20bit DAC chip would be nice, and the optical input is necessary. Detachable power cord is also necessary. Under $300 would be nice, under $200 would be perfect. If you have any suggestions or alternatives to my proposed setup please let me know, Eric
buckingham
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
I have a Monarchy 22A which I picked up for $230 used here on Agon. It was a significant improvement over my Marantz CD67SE, and a HUGE improvement when I added a Monarchy DIP (which cost me $95, again on Agon). The Marantz is not a high end player but it's certainly a good player.

The 22A has optical or coax inputs, 20 bit burr brown DACs. If you use the DIP it will translate optical to coax (SPDIF) so you can use a 75ohm digital cable to the DAC. Oh, and both have detachable power cords and are built like tanks .. great for travelling.

I did not compare to the MSB link DAC which may be another contender.
celtic66
1,617 posts
 
Assemblage 1.0 DACs have optical out and should be had for around $150 used. Very good and overlooked piece.
budrew
467 posts
 
Channel islands Audio VDA-1, $349, optical in, small too:

http://www.ciaudio.com/vda1.html
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