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

I would slightly disagree with Audioengr in that the current version of the Audio Logic, with its transformer coupling, is not really a "tubey" sounding piece anymore in the classic sense--earlier versions, particularly the early Model 34s, could be described that way, and with tube-rolling you could do a lot of tailoring of the sound to your taste. The AL offers excellent bass and detail retrieval, though perhaps not state of the art in those areas, but has a "realness/liveness" factor and dimensionality to its presentation that I haven't heard in any of the pricier DACs like Wadia, Levinson, dCS and Krell. Cannot comment on the Chord, Dodson or ECD-1 (Bigkidz compared the Audio Logic to the EC, check the archives under Audio Logic, you'll see what he reported), although looks to me like you've narrowed it down to some good choices. If there's any way to audition any of the units (if you live in NY metro area, you're welcome to hear my unit) it would be advisable, as your musical tastes and sonic preferences may not match ours, and these units, as all equipment, have different strengths and weaknesses.

oops...sorry, I hit "submit" too early...

Someone at Audiocircle did a direct comparison of the Dodson DA-218 and the Electrocompaniet ECD-1 here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=11466

We did a shootout between the Dodson DA-218, Audio Logic 24MXL, Orpheus Labs DAC, Empiracal Audio-modded ECD-1, and Modwright-modded Sony DVP-NS999ES. Write-up and discussion of the shootout is here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=12876

Make certain to add the Benchmark DAC-1 to the list. It is at least as good as any of those under consideration and will be the least transport sensitive. Don't let the plain cosmetics and low price raise any concern - the DAC-1 is an excellent digital decoder and a stellar value. Good luck!

I also compared the Benchmark, Birdland and Wavelength DACs to the ones I mention above and although these are very good, they IMHO did not offer the same sonics as the AL or Chord. I also tried a preamp by the person who mods the Benchmark and while it was excellent, it did not better my Pass X-1. Hope this is helpful. You need to hear a few on your own to understand what each of us are saying about the sonic signature of each DAC.

Happy Listening.

I used to owned chord dac and i think this is one of the best dac at the price. The Electro EMC 1 cd player up is a good player but not outstanding. To me, chord is just better in every way. much better dynamic and detail that you never heard from the Emc 1.
Now i have dcs delius(even better).