Ok folks, I've been lurking for the past 2 weeks trying to find presumably better DAC for my current setup which is : Notebook --> Pico DAC-->WA6 or Gilmore Lite -->MS1/HF2/701/ESW9. I have been looking hard at the following:

1. Benchmark Dac1

2. Buffalo - used

3. Grace M902 - out of budget but I try to find used

4. Gamma 2 - used

5. Lavry DA11

My road map in the distant future is to upgrade to balanced so I thought I would like to start with DAC first. I understand when I'm ready to upgrade to balance I would have to get rid/recable of almost all my current headphone/amp.

On the other hand, I'm also looking hard at ATH W5000. So should I use the cash I have now ~1k to buy this phone or concentrate to achieve my distant objective (going balanced) ? Note that I wont be buying a CD transport since I like to listen to my songs from notebook.

As usual, any advise will be appreciated. And also to Admin - why did my WTB thread for Buffalo was deleted? Have I done anything wrong?

reading "phone" I thought you were considering a telephone

Gamma2 isn't (as far as I know) generically designed for balanced operation so you might have a hard time finding one used, rather than having one built for you.

Gamma2 isn't (as far as I know) generically designed for balanced operation so you might have a hard time finding one used, rather than having one built for you.

Considering the gamma2 production boards have only been available for a few days, you won't find one used. At all.

Take a look into the Opus which you can find used from time to time, similar DAC to the Gamma 2 and has balanced outputs. Also from Twisted Pear Audio like the Buffalo.

Why bother with balanced?

might as well add the Neko D100 dac that I for sale to your list of choices. it's certainly much better than the benchmark, grace and lavry.

Yup, buy the neko and I'll give you a custom title

Didn't you just buy the Pico? What's wrong with your setup?

might as well add the Neko D100 dac that I for sale to your list of choices. it's certainly much better than the benchmark, grace and lavry.

Yup, buy the neko and I'll give you a custom title

Its settled then! Forbigger will buy the Neko, or will be banned

I like tkam's taste in DACs, so I say go with the Neko if you feel compelled to upgrade. But I'd be interested in what you are seeking from your upgraded source. Also, I generally believe in buying used DACs.

I believe in buying DACs.

How's that Esoteric?

Shhh! Someone has to buy new so we can get them used!

sidenote: Monkey's avatar makes me crack up everytime.

Monkey, I just noticed the avatar change. Plz bring back the green hat!

Heh, it's still in my profile pic. No worries; it will return.

How's that Esoteric?

Jury is still out, but it is a very capable machine.

Shhh! Someone has to buy new so we can get them used!

sidenote: Monkey's avatar makes me crack up everytime.

I don't get it. I see the 2 deer in the foreground, but can't make out what's behind them. Please share...

The avatar itself is not hilarious, it is where it was taken from that is. Some ebay listing asking for an outlandish price for a sub-par product... I forget what the system was exactly.

I like tkam's taste in DACs, so I say go with the Neko if you feel compelled to upgrade. But I'd be interested in what you are seeking from your upgraded source. Also, I generally believe in buying all used DACs on the market.

FIFY. To the OP, there's no use in trying to buy used. Dinny will always beat you to it.

thanks for the responses. isnt the neko only do balance and didnt have usb input? i'm looking for a dac that can do both balance and single ended and usb. guess i have to pass......

As for the reason for me to upgrade from pico is that im looking for a better dac (must admit that its going to be hard) and the one with more input. And for when that i will be going balance, i dont see this in the immediate future but likes to have the options for it........

Ayre?

Probably not enough inputs for OP w/r/t the Ayre. I wish that thing had more inputs.

FWIW, I am liking the Bryston BDA-1. It has inputs aplenty, including USB. And while the USB is reported to be nothing to write home about (I have not yet tried it), it is reportedly upgradeable.

As for my avatar, that's a big stag in the background. Deer love audio equipment.

FWIW, I am liking the Bryston BDA-1. It has inputs aplenty, including USB. And while the USB is reported to be nothing to write home about (I have not yet tried it), it is reportedly upgradeable.

Upgradeable how?

Upgradeable how?

You unplug the usb and use one of the other inputs.

Cleverrrr

outside frm the input, the thing cost 2.5k retail......way out of my budget. but thanks again. at least gives me the knowledge........

thanks for the responses. isnt the neko only do balance and didnt have usb input? i'm looking for a dac that can do both balance and single ended and usb. guess i have to pass......

As for the reason for me to upgrade from pico is that im looking for a better dac (must admit that its going to be hard) and the one with more input. And for when that i will be going balance, i dont see this in the immediate future but likes to have the options for it........

Have you considered a USB transport so that you can widen your horizons a little bit? There are a few ~$100 options out there that would solve your entire input dilemma (M-audio, Emu, and Musiland make a few). Also, XLR to RCA cables can be bought at a reasonable price until your ready to switch to balanced.