WTD: DAC

[Gmanuk101]

hi all

I am getting my friend into Hi-Fi and have mentioned that he would benefit from a DAC.

Currently he does live DJ sets, plugging his laptop via usa to a cheapo (IMO) external soundcard which then feeds his mixer which then outputs via XLR to the PA system.

Now I've told him what DACs to, how they can benefit etc.. etc..

His budget max is £120.... can anyone help this poor guy out please?

much appreciated. It's a shame it's taken him this long to suss it all out as I would have sold him my Caimen StanDac, but sadly that's gone.

G

[Ali Tait]

What connections are required?

[Gmanuk101]

What connections are required?

Minimum
--------
USB in
RCA out
Digi Coax Out - this is not required, error on my behalf.
Digi Coax In
Optical Digi In

anything else would be extra

Since this is his 1st outing into this world, something that betters the StanDac (for this budget at 2nd hand).

Thanks

G

[apollo]

Minimum
--------
USB in
RCA out
Digi Coax Out
Digi Coax In
Optical Digi In

anything else would be extra

Since this is his 1st outing into this world, something that betters the StanDac (for this budget at 2nd hand).

Thanks

G

Why does need a digital out in his dac? Is he planning to use it as a digital processor only as well?

I am not sure if you can get any high quality dac which can double as a processor at that price. May be someone else can chip in.

[Gmanuk101]

Why does need a digital out in his dac? Is he planning to use it as a digital processor only as well?

I am not sure if you can get any high quality dac which can double as a processor at that price. May be someone else can chip in.


error on my behalf, DIGI coax out not required

[Ali Tait]

But you definately need usb, coax and optical?

[Gmanuk101]

But you definately need usb, coax and optical?


yes, usb in from lappy
optical in yes, for his home hifi and to connect tv to
coax out to mixer or an other device.

cheers

[walpurgis]

There aren't many cheap second hand DACs that sound great.

I've tried all the older Dacmagics including the Isomagic and they are a bit bland.

The Audio Alchemy DACinthebox is not too wonderful, but better and their Digital Drive Engine is a bit livelier and more worthy.

The little Mission dac5 is surprisingly musical, but not particularly revealing.

The Beresford DAC (can't remember the model no.) I had a few years ago was revealing, but a bit lightweight sounding to my ears (Sorry Stan).

A decent second hand choice would be the Theta Cobalt or Chroma. They sound virtually identical to each other and are streets ahead of those mentioned above. Not as revealing as dearer Thetas, but pretty good all the same.

Find a decent Chroma and make sure it has the connections required and you'd be happy.

No USB on any of these though.

[Ali Tait]

A bit over budget, but these are decent-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Valab-NOS-USB-Re-Clock-DAC-Low-Jitter-Dual-1ppm-TCXO-/300655040106?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item46006fd66a

[wee tee cee]

the behringer uca202 would appear to tick all the boxes for about £23. sounds pretty good and has a headphone amp built in.....aint pretty but does what it says on the tin.

[Ali Tait]

Good call Tony, forgot about that.

[icehockeyboy]

There aren't many cheap second hand DACs that sound great.

I've tried all the older Dacmagics including the Isomagic and they are a bit bland.

The Audio Alchemy DACinthebox is not too wonderful, but better and their Digital Drive Engine is a bit livelier and more worthy.

The little Mission dac5 is surprisingly musical, but not particularly revealing.

The Beresford DAC (can't remember the model no.) I had a few years ago was revealing, but a bit lightweight sounding to my ears (Sorry Stan).

A decent second hand choice would be the Theta Cobalt or Chroma. They sound virtually identical to each other and are streets ahead of those mentioned above. Not as revealing as dearer Thetas, but pretty good all the same.

Find a decent Chroma and make sure it has the connections required and you'd be happy.

No USB on any of these though.

My findings of the Theta Pro Progeny A, Which was around £1700 with the add on bits was sold in favour of, to my ears, and indeed many others here (Hi Jerry! ) the superior sounding Bushmaster.

[brian2957]

Maplins do a decent little DAC for £36 . Excellent for dipping your toe in the water.http://mobile.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=504890

[Gazjam]

Second this one.

Aside form a loss of weight and a little bit of "Xfactor", it didn't sound crap compared to a Rega Dac.

Seriously good wee Dac.

[NRG]

;) http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=87

[Gazjam]

;) http://hifimediy.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=62&product_id=87

Whoa..

[Gmanuk101]

cheers alll!!!

some good stuff to have a look at there, will take these links over his this evening and brainwash him :)

[Ali Tait]

Neal's link looks a bloody bargain.