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  3. 1230989240

Best DAC that has a balance control

I would appreciate suggestions for a digital-to-analog converter that has a balance control.

My system is quite simple. I have a digital source, two monaural amps and two speakers. To feed my digital source to each of my amps I am currently using the Benchmark DAC1. That sounds great, but to really get the proper sound stage I need a balance control and the Benchmark does not have one.

I would prefer not to buy a Preamp. In essence my DAC functions as a preamp.

Suggestions are welcome.

Here is a link to my setup:
http://homepage.mac.com/hdomke/Audiophile_Mac/PhotoAlbum188.html

Thanks!
Henry
hdomke
12 responses Add your response
robertbrown
151 posts
 
this is the best dac on the planet
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1233098905&/Msb-Platinum-Dac-3-the-ultimat
If you don't want to spend that much I have a DAC II with Volumn controll for a lot less
sammie
220 posts
 
Assuming you're using a computer as your digital source, the Wavelength Audio Crimson USB DAC can be ordered in balanced configuration with volume control. I have it and really love it!

If you need more input flexibility, there's is also the Berkeley Audio Design DAC.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Since the Mac is your only source, why don't you just adjust balance in the Mac?
sammie
220 posts
 
Oops, I thought you meant a balanced configured DAC....not balance control. I don't know one that has balance control..
bmcgoz
11 posts
 
dCS Dac's come with a balance control
hdomke OP
40 posts
 
Sidssp suggests "why don't you just adjust balance in the Mac?"
How can I do that?
Currently I am using iTunes as the software to drive the system.
Is there a way to control balance in the software?

Thanks,
Henry
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
Henry, Normally, balance can be adjusted from the System Preferences/Sound window but after careful reexamination, I realized that once the output device is changed to "Benchmark 1.0", the balance adjustment is removed. So never mind my early post, my mistake.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Is there a way to control balance in the software?

Try Utilities => AudioMidi and adjust the settings.
wacomme
6 posts
 
I have a similar issue. I tried AudioMidi to adjust the balance on my EMU0404, but it's not possible. What are other solutions?
reverendo
88 posts
 
I don't know if this is still interesting, but I have looked for exactly this kind of option in a DAC. I prefer the possibility of having a dac/pre with balance controls. Here are a few I found:
Cyrus DAC XP
Audio Synthesis DAX Decade & Discrete
Audio Aéro Prima Dac (which actually is from the Capitole).
If anyone else has some input it would be very appreciated.
plutos
224 posts
 
DCS Dac is great choice but keep in mind that every balance control degrades the sound to some extent.
reverendo
88 posts
 
Plutos,
thanks for the input
I'm aware of that, but since I have an assimetric room, which is not dedicated (living room, actually) it's a must at the moment, since I don't want to bother my wife with uneven distances of speakers...
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