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DAC for Cal Audio Labs CL-10

I have a Meridian 588 and a Cal Audio Labs multi disc CL-10 player. I also have Nautilus B&W 802 speakers and a Bryson 4BST amp and BP-25 preamp along with Audio magic power conditioners. I am wondering if there is a $500 DAC that would improve my multi disc sound output? I listen to female vocalists and jazz and would love to hear any suggestions to try.
bryanhod
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The answer is an unqualified yes if you can pony up another $3-400 for a Classe' DAC-1. I used it w/CL-10 with very good success. Another option that might work would be the Muse Model2 which is available for about $500. Look for the 4th order Bessell filter option. I have never heard this, but it it reputed to be right up there w/the Classe'.
nti75
29 posts
 
I agree with the suggestion of the Classe' DAC-1. Also may want to consider a Cal Alpha. Although I have not heard the Alpha/CL-10 combination, I have been told that it is a big improvement over a stand-alone CL-10. I am currently using a Theta Pro Gen Va with a CL-10 and the results are outstanding, especially on vocals. However, a used Theta is about $1,500.

Good Luck
bryanhod OP
211 posts
 
Well I got excited until I started to rsearch the price of the Classe DAC-1. Looks like it will run $850 to $950. Not too much considering everything else I've bought so let's open this up a little. What is the best DAC under $1000? What is the best under $2000 and what is the best under $4000 and what do you get for more money?
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