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Best DAC

Hey Audiogon,

This is my first post here.  I've been doing quite a bit of research and am looking for a DAC for my system.

My laptop will be the source.  I already have an Audio Research pre-amp that I find to be the best for my listening preferences.  So, I really don't need the DAC to do anything besides convert... no pre-amp or headphone amp needed.

I would like the most neutral DAC possible, and am tempted to check out the Benchmark DAC1 USB or DAC2.  I also like the Bel Canto DAC2 for its simplicity.  I will probably be looking on the used market at anything under $1000.  Of course, the greater the value, the better.

Overall, I am looking for the most neutral DAC possible because I believe that my pre-amp, amp and speakers should be the components coloring the music.  I see people mentioning that the benchmarks are too "harsh" or "revealing" but I think that may be cleared up by the pre-amp.  We won't know until its in the system, but I want to make an educated purchase.

Any input is greatly appreciated.  Thank you
mr_sacrimoni

Showing 1 response by redfuneral

redfuneral
36 posts
 
I would look into DACs which are noted as being source agnostic or into splitting your budget for components such as the Regen making the rounds which filter the line between PC & DAC.

Personally haven’t tried the above however I have compared an Ultrabook as source compared to a tweaked performance tower and found the portable machine highly restrictive to the performance of my DAC. Were it more than an expirament I’d have immediately traded in my DAC!

In an attempt to level the playing field I added the same OS tweaks/playback software to the ultrabook; unlike the full sized machine the sound remained consistent through all the tweaks I made.
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