Creek CD50

Thank you for you " goners" input. I plan to use the creek just like you, until I can afford a higher end piece. The Jeff Rowland Model One amp is balanced and has impedance selectors that will help with using this unit in the short term. This is the start of me getting back in this hobby.  Who knows what I eventually end up with as I am a " goner" as well. Lol!!!

I lived with one of these for two years. It’s a very nice DAC. Quite a bargain, for the sound quality. The ergonomics and buttons are aesthetically pleasing. I tried it out in different configurations, but finally decided not to use it as a preamp, keeping it for the DAC and CD’s. I replaced it only when I was able to quadruple my budget.

As a DAC/preamp, it sounded great and very neutral to my ears. The biggest thing that kept me from using it this way was that I really, really like a volume knob. An actual knob. I would have much preferred a CD100 in this regard, but I bought the CD50 before the CD100 was released. I also felt that there may have been a limitation in voltage output. I only used it in the unbalanced mode. Maybe it would have more ’overhead’ in balanced mode, or with a higher gain amplifier than what I was using.

I’ve heard that you should be gentle with the RCA sockets, but personally never had a problem.

The CD50 is a very solid performer.  If this fits your needs I would snap it up.

I don’t know a thing about it.  I would caution, however, and note that Creek strength is their amps.  In my experience it isn’t a given that companies that make other products succeed at making streamers, which are basically computers masquerading as audio components.  For example, my first streamer was the Marantz NA 7004, which was an absolute turd of a product, more bug filled than a jungle swamp, and which Marantz discontinued and stopped supporting after a few years.  A few other Audio companies have struggled when they went into streamers as well; I believe Naim held their first product up for a few years because they couldn’t get to their standards.  Bryston’s streamers haven’t been as hassle free as their amps.
  The Creek might be a lovely product but they are a relatively small company with a limited R&D budget.  I would do your homework, but $700 may not represent that much of a risk for you.

YES!!!