DAC Basics

[selby]

I've just got into HiFi and really need a DAC to improve my listening experience, at the moment I tend to listen to music via Spotify Offline Mode (320kbps) or iTunes Apple Lossless format.

I need a DAC that I can connect via USB or Toslink to my Macbook Pro and then to my HiFi via Phono leads.

I've looked online at various options from Cambridge Audio, Arcam, Beresford etc etc but then looked at Ebay and saw an endless supply of finished DACs and DAC kits...could someone answer the following:

What's the main difference between these kits and big name brands?

What finished DAC or DAC kit would you recommend if any?

Based on the bigger brand DACs what one would you recommend? The new Bushmaster seems to get good reviews.

[guyhayton]

Well I purchased a mint-condition Beresford Caiman on ebay
I was very, very pleased with the sound quality with my modest (read cheap) system. Last month I got Stanley to make up a Gator board with AD826 opamps. This was a simple replacement job. Four screws unplug the old card and insert the new Gator board.

A superb improvement and transformed the DACs performance for an unbelievable modest outlay.

Now I have no experience of the Bushmaster, but if I was in your position I would not hesitate to buy a new one off Stan if its in your budget. A British DAC of high quality; you can talk to the designer; he brings out retrofit-able upgrades and as he sells direct - no dealer margin, so great value for money.

I know when resources allow I am going to have to spend upwards of £400 to get anything better (some people say even more!

[StanleyB]

I know when resources allow I am going to have to spend upwards of £400 to get anything better (some people say even more!
If USB and variable output are not a requirement, then the Bushmaster will comfortably match or even outperform DACs costing several times its price. Customers with respectable high-end equipment have been using the Bushmaster in their set up for some time now, and have not been afraid to express their joy with the results. Some only intended to try the BM out just for a laugh, but were suitably impressed with the unexpected outcome.

[guyhayton]

There you go selby the man himself. As I said I can only comment on my Caiman. But you see Stan has had positive feedback on his new DAC, the Bushmaster, and that supports my original statement.