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Best non-USB Dac for $3k, computer as source?

Hi There:
I'm shopping for a good DAC for my system as I'm currently winging it with an iRoc USB Dac connected to my PC via USB, using iTunes. It sounds pretty good to me but I want to do justice to the rest of my system which is more high-end.

I'm not sold on USB as the connection of choice to the PC, and I have a nice Juli@ Soundcard which got very good reviews, so hope to use that as source via SPDIF to DAC.

Do folks have any strong recommendation on a DAC at or below $3k or is there any strong reason to spend a bit more? I'd rather keep it below $3k if possible. I'd like to play 24/192k files and will try some hi-rez downloads but most of my collection is Apple Lossless via iTunes.

Thanks!
128x128outlier

Showing 3 responses by herman

herman
2,273 posts
 
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So here's an option.....

Apple computer, Macbook or Mac Mini around $600-1,000
Pro Audio firewire interface like an RME 400 $1,000 - $2,000 (many options)
Playback software like Pure Music or Amarra $129 - $700

If you go that route and get Pure Vinyl software you can feed your turntable directly into microphone inputs of the interface and (GASP!) digitize your vinyl doing the RIAA correction in software and eliminate your phono stage. I know, blasphemy to the analog crowd, but they are condemning something they've never heard. Even if you don't do that it still makes an excellent source for your digital files.

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herman
2,273 posts
 
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I don't follow, first you say

24/192 out your PC, which would only do it if using S/PDIF out your Juli@.

and then recommend a 24/192 USB DAC

USB and Firewire are both easily capable of 24/192

IMHO the whole issue of noise and "nastiness" from a PC is overblown hype, there are too many people using a computer and a DAC with wonderful results to dismiss them for that reason. A good designer can easily build a DAC that can deal with any noise coming down the wire from the PC.

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herman
2,273 posts
 
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I see, that makes sense. Don't agree, but I now understand your position.

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