Results 1 to 10 of 10
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March 25, 2015, 04:30 PM #1
Good cheap dac................................
Hi Sharks
I'm in the market for a good dac and I don't want to spend more than $500. This will be used strictly in a headphone system.
I've already researched a few and they are:
Micromega MyDac $369.00
Musical Fidelity v90 $299.95
Schiit Bifrost $349.00 or 419.00 for the uber analog
Cambridge audio dacmagic 100 $299.00
USB connectivity is not important.
All four have gotten stellar reviews with the Micromega being named The Absolute Sound budget component of the year.
The only nitpick I have with the Micromega is the case is made from plastic. Robert Harley says this is not a concern.
If anyone has any other suggestions, or comments on the ones I've listed I would greatly appreciate itBob
Heroes don't wear capes, they wear dogtags.
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March 25, 2015, 06:34 PM #2
Re: Good cheap dac................................
Bob - the Schiit BiFrost I think would be your best bet. It really sounds MUCH better than its price point.
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March 25, 2015, 11:35 PM #3
Re: Good cheap dac................................
I've owned both the schiit and the micromega. The schiit does sound excellent and the build quality is unbelievable for the money, however....like the sound of the micromega more. The micromega looks and feels kinda cheap and plastic-y, especially compared to the schiit, but the sound quality is exceptional. Unless you prefer a warm rich tubey sounding DAC, I'd recommend the micromega.
System 1: Matrix Element M -> Sugden A21se -> Klipsch Cornwall 3.
System 2: Matrix Element X -> Exposure 3510 -> Heco Direkt.
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March 26, 2015, 01:12 PM #4
Re: Good cheap dac................................
I certainly don't have the experience (or the high end gear) as most of the members here, but I've had the Micromega in my listening system for about two years. I believe that it is NOT the weakest link in my system and has performed flawlessly.
This may not matter to you, but the best feature it has, to me, is the ability to switch between 3 digital inputs. I have it connected to the laptop (USB), disc player (coax), and TV (optical). I can leave the integrated set to one input and all I have to do is turn it on, select the input on the MyDac and hit Play on my selected device. I like stupid simple.
The plastic case doesn't bother me too much except that the piece is so light. With four heavy cables connected to the back it feels as if the tail is wagging the dog, but their weight does seem to anchor it a little.
Dwight
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March 26, 2015, 01:22 PM #5
Re: Good cheap dac................................
Don't forget ifi Audio micro | iFi Audio
Not bad sounding dacs for under $5002chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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March 26, 2015, 03:27 PM #6
Re: Good cheap dac................................
Bob...you may want to consider this Marantz Headphone amp/DAC: Marantz HD-DAC1 DAC/Headphone Amp at Music Direct
It's got Coax/Optical/USB inputs. One idea is you can sell your Burson headphone amp and still have money left over to buy this Marantz headphone amp/DAC. You can use the cd3t into it and if down the road you want to use a PC/server/streaming source, it's USB input will accommodate that and the USB will also support up to 2X DSD.
Just a thought. If you want to stick with your amp and spend under $500 on stand-alone DAC as your original question, I think you have covered most of the DACs that have coax/optical and AES/EBU connectionsCyril
Speakers/Amp/Preamp: Thiel CS2.4 / ARC Ref 110 / ARC Ref 3
Sources: Basis 2001/Graham2.2/Nagra BPS/Benz Micro Glider SL, Dynavector 20X2-L, ARC CD7, Oppo BDP-83 SE
Cables/Power/Other: Nordost Heimdall ICs, SCs / Shunyata Hydra 8, Shunyata Python Helix PC / VPI 16.5, HRS Nimbus isolation system
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March 27, 2015, 12:30 AM #7
Re: Good cheap dac................................
Check out this review of the Musical Paradise MP-D1
Musical Paradise MP-D1 DAC. The world?s best DAC under $1,000? | Wall Of Sound
Also a used MHDT Paradisea would come in under budgetCraig
JMR Twin Sigs or Klipsch RP600m, Allo DigiOne, Schiit Modi Multibit
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April 2, 2015, 07:42 PM #8
- Join Date
- Mar 2015
- Location
- N. California
- Posts
- 4
Re: Good cheap dac................................
I've had both the Micromega and V90 in my system and would favor the V90.
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April 5, 2015, 10:40 AM #9
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Posts
- 46
Re: Good cheap dac................................
I second the vote for the Musical Paradise DAC
AudioReview.ca - Musical Paradise MP-D1 DAC
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April 5, 2015, 11:32 AM #10
Re: Good cheap dac................................
Buy a a ifi dsd micro. Not nano micro. It's really good DSd. It has a pretty good amp and a whole bunch of SW,s that tailor sound to. Your liking. It's porible but can be used as desk top. It works with many devices , iPhones , androids and cpu,s. It's pcm is good too but the sweet spot is DSd for me. It's cheap but works well. al
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Thank you for making me feel less tech challenged.:whew: FYI, The 866 works great as a straight, no nonsense integrated with DAC.
Boulder 866 app