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Benchmark DAC2 or Bel Canto DAC3.5VB or OPPO 105

I've been reading tons of info and just can't decide on the best computer dac + preamp...

I've started looking at DacMagic plus and quickly got carried way into the higher end ones:

Looked at Benchmark DAC2 and Bel Canto DAC3.5VB but recently came around OPPO 105 player as a dac as well...
(at one point I considered zodiac gold but the weak bass performance, as I've read, discouraged me).

What I have right now is a PC with Auzintech X-FI Prelude sound card going to an ONKYO 905 via toslink and then to Merlin TSM-MM speakers for stereo and others as surrounds. I use my setup as all around entertainment/ht/computer/music system and now I want to upgrade with an external DAC and and amp for the stereo fronts...

Thanks!
unistar99

Showing 1 response by audio_lee

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audio_lee
11 posts
 
I too have the DAC3.5VB as Doggiehowser but I would recommend the Meitner MA-1 instead. I have not been using the Bel Canto ever since the Meitner is in the system. I realised then that by adding the costs of the DAC3.5VB, the VBS-1 and the RefLink, the total could come close to the Meitner MA-1 pricing.

There is no volume control on the MA-1 but then again, it's the sound that counts, isn't it? As a bonus, it does DSD via USB....the best thing I heard on computer audio (I used a Mac Mini)

The DAC3.5VBMkII is actually very good on its own but when compared to the MA-1, the MA-1 has slightly more details and emotion.

(Audio)
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