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Suggestions for a DAC

I'm thinking about using my meridian 506.24 as a transport & moving to a separate DAC. Would like to stay under about $600 (used).

Anyone got suggestions? or bruises from their experience?

Rest of the signal path is: ARC LS-7; SMC Audio DNA 0.5 Rev. A, Dunlavey SC-3, MIT cables throughout.

Thanks for putting in your 0.02.

brent
bgrazman
tbadder
103 posts
 
Bel Canto 1.1 definitely!
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
That Meridian is a good unit. Can you update that to a 508.24? You might get more bang for the buck. Plus you don't have to buy a digital cable and another power cord...

just a thought...
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
The 506 is very good. I don't know how you can improve it with a $600 DAC. You might get a different sound but not necessary better.
soix
9,980 posts
 
You might be able to find an EVS Millennium DAC 1 for around $400 or so -- very dynamic, transparent, and tonally pure. I also have a McCormack DNA-0.5 Rev. A, and I find its transparent nature to be an excellent combo with the EVS DAC, unless you're looking for a warm and/or tubey sound. Best of luck.
fineberg
151 posts
 
With what you have, I don't think you'll get much improvement unless you go to DAC's in the $1k-$1.5k used range. I had a DAC 1.1 and it is indeed very good and quite different than the 506.24 but it is not clearly better. For that you need to look to a Muse two ninety six, or an EVS Millenium II, or a Musical Fidelity A3 DAC, or other DACs in that range. Maybe even a Bel Canto Dac II (I have not heard it yet)

Good Luck
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