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Best DAC that has a balance control

I would appreciate suggestions for a digital-to-analog converter that has a balance control.

My system is quite simple. I have a digital source, two monaural amps and two speakers. To feed my digital source to each of my amps I am currently using the Benchmark DAC1. That sounds great, but to really get the proper sound stage I need a balance control and the Benchmark does not have one.

I would prefer not to buy a Preamp. In essence my DAC functions as a preamp.

Suggestions are welcome.

Here is a link to my setup:
http://homepage.mac.com/hdomke/Audiophile_Mac/PhotoAlbum188.html

Thanks!
Henry
hdomke
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Is there a way to control balance in the software?

Try Utilities => AudioMidi and adjust the settings.
wacomme
6 posts
 
I have a similar issue. I tried AudioMidi to adjust the balance on my EMU0404, but it's not possible. What are other solutions?
reverendo
88 posts
 
I don't know if this is still interesting, but I have looked for exactly this kind of option in a DAC. I prefer the possibility of having a dac/pre with balance controls. Here are a few I found:
Cyrus DAC XP
Audio Synthesis DAX Decade & Discrete
Audio Aéro Prima Dac (which actually is from the Capitole).
If anyone else has some input it would be very appreciated.
plutos
224 posts
 
DCS Dac is great choice but keep in mind that every balance control degrades the sound to some extent.
reverendo
88 posts
 
Plutos,
thanks for the input
I'm aware of that, but since I have an assimetric room, which is not dedicated (living room, actually) it's a must at the moment, since I don't want to bother my wife with uneven distances of speakers...
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