September 23, 200916 yr 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?
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr Shhh! Someone has to buy new so we can get them used! sidenote: Monkey's avatar makes me crack up everytime.
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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...
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr Author 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........
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
September 23, 200916 yr 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?
September 23, 200916 yr Author outside frm the input, the thing cost 2.5k retail......way out of my budget. but thanks again. at least gives me the knowledge........
September 23, 200916 yr 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.
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