DAC that re-clocks for under $1000?


I am thinking about using an ipod classic 160GB as a music server, running AIFF, so I need a re-clocking DAC. I know about the Music Hall 25.2 DAC for $600, are there any others out there I should consider? Big Ben and PaceCar are too expensive for my modest system: B&W 685s, HSU VTF-1, assume Music Hall a25.2 amp, AudioQuest G-Snake ICs, current CDP is a 15 year old Yami changer. Thanks.
realremo

Showing 8 responses by realremo

Singleendedsingle, check out UnderwoodHiFi.com, they have two mods for the music hall 25.2 DAC. Its beyond the price I am comfortable paying tho.
http://underwoodhifi.com/mod_musichall.html
Kijanki, I will read your link - looks like it is loaded with great info, thanks...
I second Mapman's post - what else? PS Audio tech support just informed me that their Digital Link III does re-clock the signal. I think it retails for $699.
Peter_s, there are two other iPod docks that can get the digital iPod signal - one from Denon and one from Onkyo. The Onkyo has a nicer look. Peachtree should come out with their iDecco in Jan - an integrated with a digital iPod dock and Sabre DAC built in.
I expect more manufacturers to enter this game in 2010.
Pkubica, I was referring to the Onkyo ND-S1, see review here:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/onkyo-nd-s1-ipod-dock-feaures-digital-audio-composite-video-an/
I cannot find this dock anywhere but on websites in the United Kingdom. It is not listed on Onkyo's webiste. But it apparently exists if people have reviewed it, I wish I could find it in the U.S.
i have confirmation from PS audio tech support that their digital link III does re-clock the incoming signal. Documentation for the Music Hall 25.2 DAC specifically claims it re-clocks the signal. I am not sure what "asynchronous" means - if the Benchmark ignores the input clock, it has to apply some kind of clocking to the signal before it sends it out to the pre amp, right? Can we say then that it "re-clocks?"
Kijanki, all tech speak aside, i think we all agree that Benchmark's product probably sounds better than the music hall and the ps audio. You are saying Benchmark has less distortion, your post is in favor of their product? I am a bit more new to this research so could you expand a bit on what you are saying? thanks.
I am surprised that no one has mentioned the MF V-DAC - I guess it does not re-clock the signal. It gets very high scores on comparison tests with other DACs that are much more expensive.
Per the Empirical Audio website, once jitter is removed or greatly eliminated, the playing field is leveled for DACs, so maybe my path is MF V-DAC and Airport Express for now, then purhcase a re-clocker later (like the Pace Car). I would like to run PC Audio wirelessly using digital coax, does anyone know how? Nugent thinks optical ICs are more jitter-prone than digital coax.