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DAC recommendation in the $1k range

Hey all,

I'm looking to upgrade from my PS Audio Digital Link III and wanted some help finding a candidate. My requirements, in addition to sounding great, are that it must be balanced, and it must either have remote input selection or auto-selection of inputs.  DSD is a plus, but I'm on the fence as to whether or not I'd use it (even though I did really love SACD while I had a player).  I don't need pre-amp or headphone amp capabilities.

So far the most interesting candidates I've found are: 
BMC PureDAC
PS Audio Nuwave DSD
PS Audio PerfectWave MK II

Obviously the PerfectWave is the highest pedigree but also the most "dated" being a couple years older and lacking DSD.  But if it's the best DAC of the bunch then I'll pull the trigger.

Any thoughts on these? Any options I'm not thinking of?
hudsonhawk
captelee's avatar
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captelee
43 posts
 
A two-unit (small component) set-up well under $1K, the iFi iUSB3.0 > iFi Micro iDSD DAC that will smoke most DACs three times the cost.
All the iFi line sound great at a very low price point:http://ifi-audio.com/home/products/micro/
I travel for work constantly, but after using iFi gear at work I also run the above at home on my not-so-portable McIntosh 601s > B&W 802d and still find iFi one of the best DACs out there at any price.
risoveza
1 posts
 
I have home this one for $920:

http://www.teac.com/product/nt-503/

Absolutely loved it 44.1Khz conversion to 12.2Mhz DSD......

Ritchie
robert32889
1 posts
 
I would agree with captelee, the ifi idsd MICRO murdereds DACs twice or 3x its price. But Thorsten and team are going to release a pro version in a few months that is said to be in the 1k+ range. If you can wait and save might be a good option.
kot
133 posts
 
The IFI IDAC2 is even better than IDSD (have both of them). In tandem with the IUSB 3 very few dacs can touch the refined nature of its sound, AT ANY price!  And I have owned and own few  Goldmund dacs ..... If you use USB of course ... For coaxial the IDSD is excellent ...
coli
291 posts
 
Tascam/TEAC is the real deal.  PS Audio is snake oil ( I learned it the hard way)
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