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Dodson MkII D....Can't be THAT good....right ?

I am in the market for a new to used DAC to go with a CEC TL-1X transport....and in ''certian circles'' this seems to be a DAC that people recommend. I've read about it in the magazines and as usual , ''this is the best, second to none at any price''...blah, blah, blah.....don't believe all that much in magazine or reviewers hype ! I know that I will get responses from people who have bought this piece...and thank you....but I would also like to hear form people who have not bouight it any why and what they eventually did buy ! Can it be that good of a DAC ?....and why then isn't it more popular ?
garebear
fatcrider5fbc
21 posts
 
I heard the Dodson 217 at CES in the Hovland room and thought it sounded great (not sure if it was the mkII or what). Recently heard the 218 at a NJ dealer, and it really smoked! In direct comparison to a Resolution Audio Opus, there was no comparison because the 218 was just way in another class. Transport was a Sony dvd player.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
Jkphoto and Hi5harry, You guys are right-on,
CEC + Audio Logic = musical magic !
garebear OP
1,159 posts
 
AAAhhhhh...this was about the Dodson Audio 217 MkII Dac...I wanted to know what THAT sounded like !!!!!
nglazer
846 posts
 
I have a 217 MKII D with 218 software upgrade and isolation transformer at SPDIF coax input. I use it with a CEC TL-1X, with a Kharma Grand Reference digital cable, then on with Nordost Valhallas to a Wyetech Opal preamp and a Krell FPB 300 cx amp to Von Schweikert VR5 HSE's.

I have been engaged in this audio passion/obsession for over 30 years and was an early digital adaptor, starting with the Magnavox 650, the first 16 bit CDP back in 1986. I don't claim any superior knowledge or listening talent, just experience and knowing what I like. I have listened to countless CDP's and DAC's. Stated simply, the Dodson is the most transparent, musical, least "digital" sounding DAC I have encountered, and coupled with the CEC TL-1X and equivalent other components, is as good as I have heard. I am, like most of us, a restless upgrader, but this is the one piece I have never felt the need to replace. Sure, there may be the flavor of the month, they come and they go, but the Dodson just plays on, giving endless hours of pure musical enjoyment. It does nothing wrong.

Also, Ralph Dodson is one of the finest, most knowledgeable and helpful audio professionals you will ever encounter. A true gentleman, if you ever have any problems or questions he is there to assist. This counts.

Hope this is helpful.

Neal
ramses
39 posts
 
I AGRRE WITH NEAL. I HAVE A 217 MKIID W/218 UPGRADES. I HAVE TRANSFORMERS ON THE BNC INPUT & AES INPUT. I HAVE TRIED MANY DIGITAL CABLES & MANY IC'S. THE DODSON IS A VERY REVEALING COMPONENT WITHOUT HYPING. IT IS NOT A FLAVOR OF THE MONTH, IT IS SOMETHING TO KEEP.
RALPH IS VERY COURTEOUS & HELPFUL. I DON'T REGRET OWNING A DODSON.

CORDIALLY,
RAMSES
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