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affordable DAC for rock/metal

Any headbangers with suggestions for a DAC around $300?

I have Klipsch Heresy and Onkyo A-9555, which sounds great and I want to upgrade to an external DAC from the pc soundcard I've been using.

The overall sound I like is crunchy, full and dynamic with presence to suit live rock shows.

I'm guessing the DAC should be able to separate instruments well and have a clear, neutral midrange.

The Heresys don't sound bright to me, so I'm thinking something that makes the even more alive would work.
mstapletn

Showing 3 responses by mstapletn

mstapletn OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the input. Looks like I might try the valabs.
mstapletn OP
6 posts
 
My setup sounds a little smooth in the highs since I got the new tweeters. There's not enough 'bite'. I don't know if a DAC will make any different there.

I'm guessing I just need something that separates instruments well and is good at bringing out the initial sound of a percussion or guitar attack.
mstapletn OP
6 posts
 
A good example is Celtic Frost's Monotheist, it has very aggressive guitars yet it's a little too smooth sounding to me.

The soundcard I'm using is real cheap, I described it to a friend as sounding like a teenager's boombox. No clarity or detail, just your average mass market sound.
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