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Chord 64, ECD-1, Audio Logic, Dodson DAC opinions

I am in the process of researching and will be shopping for a new(used)DAC in the near future. The ones I am considering are Chord 64, ECD-1, Audio Logic, Dodson. I am looking for some opinions from owners or people who have auditioned them. I won't have a chance to listen before I buy and hope some experts could chime in to give me their ideas/opinions. I am also concerned with price to performance ratio. My system is Krell solid state power amp/pre, speakers are Coincident. I listen to all types of music besides classical. Thanks for your help
nicksgem10s
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Dodson is the best unless you are after a "warm" sound, in which case the ECD-1 would be the best choice. If you want the "tubey" sound, the Audio Logic is a good choice.
imin2u
392 posts
 
I would normally just say the ECD-1 but considering the Krell's (solid states) I would jump to the AL. It's alot more bucko's but worth it.

On the other hand, you could get a good tube pre-amp (Audible recommended) and the Chord for the same money.

I found the Dodson to analytical and the Chord to expensive. Needless to say the AL was out of my budget also. The ECD-1 is amazing at it's price plus the bass and soundstage is to die for.

I was doing some critical listening last night and the ECD-1 is really superior to anything in the midrange.
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
I had the following DACs in my system. I slightly preferred the Chord 64 to the Audio Logic but I did not get a chance to experiment with NOS tubes in the AL. I thought the ECD-1 was the biggest bang for the buck using my Sony SCD-777ES as a transport. I also preferred using the ECD-1 with the Audiomeca Mephisto CDP and a highly modified Shanling CDP. The ECD-1 is a very good DAC for the used prices. The ECD-1 had the best/deepest bass of all the DACs I listened to. It also had a wider soundstage. The Audio Logic had better separation and placement of vocals and instruments and was clearer sounding. I also liked the mid range better as it was more real sounding versus the ECD-1 which as a SS unit sounded laid back but not real. The Chord slightly bettered the AL DAC in the same areas and has a 4 second delay which took some time to get used to. I also felt that NOS tubes in the AL would better the sound of this DAC and that I could taylor the sound with tubes. It was also cheaper then the Chord although I saw one on Agon for around $1500 yesterday.

I may have posted this on Agon in another thread but overall all three are very good DACs and the ECD-1 would be a good choice for someone on a budget, or an older model AL 34 DAC if you prefer the sound of tubes.

Happy Listening.
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