Best used dac under $2000

Hi JRUD, I would like to make a suggestion to you that I hope you find worthwhile. As you can see by the postings above, people are very opinionated about their audio gear AND their politics. I would just like to say that I am happy we live in a part of the world where we can BUY such gear AND have an opinion that we are free to express - be it politics or audio. I doubt we would have either in Iraq, N. Korea, etc. Now, my suggestion would be to purchase a DAC that is reliable and where there is a dealer closeby (just incase you need a repair) - this also gives you a chance to listen/audition. THEN, get yourself a good dejitter/upsampler to put between the transport and DAC (assuming you don't want to also spend big $$$ on a transport). I would suggest an Audio Alchemy DTI-PRO32 (which I own) or a Genesis Digital Lens. There are other upsamplers out there but the ones above will provide you more of that "liquid and detailed" sound you seem to be looking for. One man's opinion and glad to have the opportunity to share it! Cheers, Tony

I read the Bel Canto has jitter reduction circuitry built in; I have also read using multiple jitter reducing devices can be beneficial, however as we all know, creating a long chain in a signal path is not necessarily a good idea. So, if using the Bel Canto would one want to use a Monarchy DIP as well? I own the DIP and am a little leery about adding another link to the chain. Suggestions….?

I have been very trusting when buying used gear (no reason not to be with 99% of the members at AudioGon) but would be very nervous about a product reselling at such a reduced price. I have a long ways to go before I can call my system complete; I just want my source gear on par with my other gear, and the Bel Canto, Chord or Kora would do that…and then some.

Look Ma, no politics here :p

Mdomnick,

I would recommend going straight from your source into
the Bel Canto... as you read it does have jitter reduction..
Im not sure about the Chord or Kora... I would guess that they do also.

You could always try your Monarchy in the chain. But i dont
think you would need it anymore.

you don't want circuitry that does jitter reduction. you want a transport that doesn't put out jitter. fix your problems at the source!

a great truism in audio is simplicity is good. simple = soundlabs (no x-overs), OTLs, and by all means, nothing in the signal path!

the entec dac is a killer at used prices (its @ 8 yrs old i think). circuitry by demian martin (spectral) and chassis by andy payor (rockport). i've seen 1 for sale in 1.5 yrs on this board. i bought mine from a guy who upgraded (?) to a lindemann...numerous parties think this dac is still better...and speaking as someone who used to own a BC 1.1, its not even close...all BCs (or any other dac's) upsampling jitter reduction whatever is not what makes great sound. all that shit makes is decent (non-offending) sound, but it will NEVER be accurate or world class (again, see law of simplicity).

and fwiw, a great front end doesn't really require system matching like amp-speaker, or pre-amp.

rhyno

Rhyno,

Maybe you can explain to us what the Entec does...
If it doesnt upsample or reduce jitter what does it
do? And please feel free to get as technical as you
can for us...
And what is the difference between a 1k CD with a good
DAC and a 5k CD player?