DAC for 500 Recommendations?

Thanks for the response. Which Adcom did you get to demo? Did you do it in home?

I also second the Millenium 2 if you can find one (maybe a Millenium 1 too). If not, you can buy a new Ack dACK! for that same amount. They are also excellent with a different feel and design approach. I am not familiar with the Adcom, but the dACK! should be superior to any mass market product in that price range (I would actually consider one if you are spending less than $1500-$2000). Like the EVS Millenium DACs (were), they are handmade and sold direct by the designer. They use quality parts that no mass market item could afford to use in that price range.

KCdrummer- It was the original Adcom 600 processor. In my system I couldn't hear a difference with/or without it. That was in my system-I have heard of others who liked it. Yes I did try it at home. The Millenium 2 at the time I had it was the biggest sonic upgrade I ever made. I was using it with a Pioneer DV-37.

The Muse 2 is showing up for that price as well. Former S'phile Class A. Look for one with the Bessel filter and HDCD options.

Consider picking up a used MSB Link DAC for +/- $150 and send it to Dan Wright and let him improve it for another $250+. See more info at www.modwright.com