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Best Bang for your Buck DAC ?

I just realized I’m in the market for a DAC , I don’t want to spend a fortune on a DAC either . I picked up a drangonfly cobalt a while back and am unimpressed  so I moved it to my CPU and sounds really good on my system there which when I bought it figured I would do anyway since it was my first DAC purchase . There are so many DACs I have no clue , how high up on the returns chart can I go at say $1,000 before I run into heavy Diminished returns resistance. I’m open to buying used . I was thinking about a Schitt made in the states ? Anyone’s take on best bang for buck DACs? 
ngiordano
bgross's avatar
bgross
388 posts
 
Very happy with my Rega DACr... under a grand and maybe around $450ish for a good used piece. Fabulous build quality and plays great with any electronics I throw at it. 
morningstaraudio's avatar
morningstaraudio
154 posts
 
Find out how long before Soekris Dac's are in stock
mpbrogan61
1 posts
 
A  Khadas Tone Board DAC with a linear power supply which bypasses the USB power supply. This is the critical step as the USB power is noisy. With a LPS it competes favorably with a $1500 PS Audio DAC.
boomerbillone
355 posts
 
Hello Again, ngiordano!  I just took delivery of the Pro-Ject  Pre Box S2 Digital and it beats my SMSL M500 by a significant margin. It's getting blown out by several on-line outfits for $400. It came out in 2017 and has gotten good reviews consistently. It does not accept analog inputs, but it has a headphone amp and a volume control. It is very tiny, smaller than a big hamberger bun! Sounds great! Be sure to use a good USB cable. USB cables are critical. Happy Listening!
freedeez's avatar
freedeez
26 posts
 
I'm enjoying my Denafrips Ares II for $750.00.  It is not overly clinical, has a great sound stage and a small footrprint.  I  have it paired to a Mcintosh MC 275 Amp.  there seems to be good synergy with tube amps
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