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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
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
One more low-price jobbie; Theta's 'pro-basic'2--around 250.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
A used Birdland Odeon-lite should be around $500 and mods for it can be had for around $700. World-class performance for $1200.
warnerwh
539 posts
 
I'd have to second the Channel Island Dac. Just saw one without the upgraded PSU go for 220. I've owned several dacs, MSB, Theta, Cal Alpha and the Channel Island was the best. There was one with upgraded PSU for about 400 recently also. This is a very good dac for the money.
a_hayman
43 posts
 
I was using a Denon DCD1650AR CD player, when I also decided to run the digital coax output to an external DAC. (I'm using a BAT VK-20, Aragon 8008BB and Thiel 3.6's.) I chose a used Dodson Audio DA217MkIID, which is probably more than your budget allows, but the point I am making here is that the sound was totally transformed. The Denon makes an excellent transport, with solid, reliable and error-free operation with any CD I load into it. You may find that it might be worthwhile to get a better quality DAC, because you might be willing to live with your Denon longer than you think. For what it's worth ....

Good luck!
jimwitnauer
22 posts
 
I think the Perpetual Tech P-3A is an okay piece. I own one and it suits my needs. I recommend the Monolithic power supply, for protection purposes. With the supply, it will be under $500 used. My only complaint is that it is not in the form of a component. It looks more like an ethernet router than a stereo component.
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