any DAC recommend for around $1000-1300?


Hello everyone, i have a question about choosing DAC, I have a buget for around US1000 to 1300, i am thinking to get a Classe' DAC-1 or Mark Levinson No.36 , or should i go for a recent model 24bit 196Hz DAC like Birdland, Benchmark and Perpetual? Between i am using a custom made VT52 power amp and Linn Mimik cdp
thank you for your time reading this.

regards

ryo
yama317
thanks again for all response

i guess i might go for Classe dac-1 or Levinson No.30, does anyone compared these two DAC's and how does the sounds different?

ryo
Yeah, I knew it wouldn't be long before the "buy a one box player, dacs are passe" chant started. I'll agree that one box players have improved. However, to my thinking, in a search for the best possible sound, the transport/dac scheme still has merit. The separation of power supplies for various sections is more easily engineered in a two box solution which is a major plus. I'll agree that the transport/dac vs. one box isn't a cut and dried comparison. It takes more rack space and an interconnect to implement a two box solution. Plus you have to pay for two caseworks. In retort to these objections, the quality digital interconnect question is easily resolved now with something like the Stereovox HDVX @ $150.00. You have to decide if the question of space is relevant. I still think the addition of a dac is potentially a huge bang for the buck improvement. I've got about $2k invested in my digital rig utilizing a dac and it competes with one box players priced much higher.
A used Musical Fidelity TriVista 21 DAC is in the bugdet. I have had two DACs and the TriVista is musical, detailed, sparkling on voices, guitars, most horns and a joy to listen to. If you have access to listen to British hi fi gear, their market offers more DACs to choose from. Musical Fidelity stocking deals are currently discounting TriVista DACs modestly and can be finagled into discounting even more heavily. Good Luck!
hello Twochannel-guy,

which DAC do you have beside MF DAC? i am searching some info about the TriVista Dac right now.

ryo
You might want to try a Ack! dac. I own one that I swapped the Aura caps with bypassed DynamiCaps with that is stellar.