2. digital
  3. 1076201363

Best Inexpensive DAC

In the last 12 months I have mananged to purchase a used ML27.5, used ML38S and a new pair of Thiel 2.4. I am broke, but I can't stand listening to my old Denon CD player form 1992. I do have a coax digital out on the unit, so I thought of purchasing an interim inexpensive DAC to get me by until I can get something a little better. Any suggestions?
dewinkle
audiokinesis
2,737 posts
 
I'm not quite sure how you define "inexpensive", but I'll toss out a suggestion for what it's worth.

I'm a Birdland dealer, and the now-discontinued Odeon Lite is a very nice little DAC with a volume control. I sold many pairs of $16,000 ballpark Sound Lab electrostats using the $970 list Odeon Lite as my DAC. There are a couple of used units for sale here in the $500 ballpark, which is quite reasonable.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I believe that a Timbre TT-1 or Adcom 700 DAC {believe that is the model #},would make improvements.Can't comment on the Birdland,but it is warrantied.You might read the TAS review of the Birdland to get an idea.
listener57
730 posts
 
Another approach is to check scott-nixon.com for his pared down, purist approach DAC's listed new from $250 to $500 range.
In this very modest cost approach to top quality, there is even option of tube output DAC.
rgodin
85 posts
 
The Bel Canto DAC 1.1 can normally be had around $500 and the DAC 2 for a bit over $800. Also, the Perpetual Technologies P-3A is fairly good with a few modifiations for less than $500.

Rick
More to discover