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Looking for a $1k DAC that delivers?

I'm looking for recommendations for a $1k DAC. I tried Musical Fidelity's m1. It delivers crisp and clean highs, wide soundstage and breathy vocals, but there is no bottom end. The bass is non-existent. Peachtree's iDAC is warmer but just does not draw me in. I would like to try Eastern Electric's tube dac plus but Bill at Morningstar won't allow an audition. Does anyone have experience with the Eastern Electric or Wyred 4 Sound's DAC 1 or 2? Any other recommendations? Thanks!
srz888
srz888 OP
12 posts
 
More low end?! This is what I find is missing from most DACs. Great to hear
junglern's avatar
junglern
50 posts
 
How the EE compares to the Rega DAC, i already own the Brio-R, i listen mostly jazz as well.
thanks
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
Find a Museatex Bitstream. For the used prices it still outperforms allthese dacs listed.
celtic66
1,651 posts
 
Decware. A real sleeper. I've compared it with several DACs to include Assemblage 2.0, two Audio Zone and Scott Nixon (the little guy SS). Very open, detailed and solid bass. I listen to well recorded (lots of RR, Chesky, JVC XRCD, MA recordings) jazz, celtic and blues.
trebejo
102 posts
 
Van Alstine makes excellent DACs. You will not be complaining about missing any part of the spectrum, that's for sure. The output stage is what separates the wheat from the chaff in DACs and you will not be shortchanged there. A used Ultradac goes for under $700 today and that's an incredible bargain.
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