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Poor man's reference DAC

I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
oxia
51 posts
 
I'm amazed that nobody has yet mentioned the Museatex DACs (Bidat, idat44, Bitstream). They rarely show up for sale, and when they do, they go very quickly. Bidat's used to appear for < $1K, but recently one sold for $3K in just one day. Then again, audiogon is not exactly a "rational" market :)

Nevertheless, if you ever see a Museatex DAC for sale, especially a Bidat, snap it up and get it updated by John Wright if it hasn't been upgraded already. It may well be the last DAC you'll ever own.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,475 posts
 
Oxia,
Funny you mentioned, I looked for a Bidat and agree wholeheartedly.
They were more readily available during the on-slaught of hurrying digital technology.
The unfortunate part is NOW a lot of folks realize just how great AND far ahead of their time Bidats really are, they became an extremely rare and desireable product (esp. with the mods)
Judging from you and other reliable sources, I have little doubt on any negatives of this sleeper.
I'd love to compare it to an Audio Logic, do you have any experience with this or other Dacs of comparable merit ?
slingshot
54 posts
 
I just purchased a used Reimyo Harmonix DAP-777 from overseas based upon the review in 6moons. 6moons which reviews the creme de la creme equipment rated it pretty much the equivalent of the Zanden. I have only had it a week. I also just purchased the Marantz SA-14 v2 and I have listening to both units during the past week.

I have used the digital output from the Marantz and then the output from a CAL 2500 using a HT digital cable. Will be buying a balanced digital cable probably a Silversmith which is why I purchased the CAL 2500.

Sounds better than Muse 9 Signature, no slouch for sound quality, the Birdland DAC Lite and the Redbook output from the Marantz. Build quality is tremendous. I believe there is a used one for sale on Audiogon for $2,400. I would buy it before its gone.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,475 posts
 
I read that review in 6moons, found it very interesting.
They claimed the player sounds better than the stand-alone Dac with a transport.
I was going to post a thread on this player asking if anyone has heard it, don't have to now !
Let us know how it sounds as break-in progresses.
slingshot
54 posts
 
RX8man: Yes, I also read that review. Unfortunately I don't have $14,000 to spend on a CD player! I paid $2,250 for the DAC and $850 for the CAL 2500 which was brand new. I figured the DAC is the more important half of the equation. They may come out with a stand alone transport at some time but I imagine it will be very expensive.
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