Dated but still A rated DACs


Looking to purchase a great sounding used DAC , unless I can obtain equal quality on a new one. Your thoughts?
goldenear1948
Years ago I bought a second generation Cambridge DacMagic from a dude who said he liked it but it could use a better power supply. I liked it because it had 2 SP/DIF inputs (used for cd player and streamer) and balanced outs, 3 filter options, blah blah...Soon  Audio Advisor started selling a Peter Madnick designed beefy low noise power supply called the P100 for this DAC and a couple of other things and, of course, I bought a couple of those (inexpensive). Sounds astonishingly great, or at least music going through it does. Seriously…Redbook upsampled for days (whatever upsampling 24/192 does…hard to understand as I'm not very smart), and in this case seems to work very well, and I've actually done an a/b comparison with a friend's MUCH more expensive and well regarded DAC and we agreed it was pretty much indistinguishable from his. I'm keeping the damn thing until it dies.
Weiss DAC2 or DAC202. No USB input though. Will not handle DSD but will do redbook and up to 24/192.
Firewire, optical Toslink, and S/PDIF inputs. Bal and SE output.
Both can be had under $3k used. 
Stunning built and sonic qualities.


Hi, 

I have been using an AudioSpace CD8A and a Ric Schultz modified Oppo 105 as redbook CD players in my system (Prima Luna Dialogue Premium preamp, Coda CS amp, and Thiel CS5 speakers.

Anyway, the upgrade bug bit.

I have two great dealers in my area who will let me try various components at home. Over the last right weeks, I have auditioned a Naim CD5si, Levinson 390S, Rega DAC R, and Bryston BDA1.

Also listened, in the showroom, to the current Esoteric streamer that lists for $7,500. Just too clinical for my taste - all detail but no music - no PRAT.

Right now I am listening to a Hegel HD25 with the AudioSpace as the transport. 

This is the best my system has ever sounded. Lots of detail and presence, better sound stage, and really smooth (liquid)? Keeps the beat and is MUSICAL.

If I had to make decision right now today, it would be deciding between the used HD25 or spending more bucks on a new Hegel HD30.

FWIW!

Dsper


I just bot hold of a used Reimyo DAP-777 and it is FA BU LOUS.
Musical, detailed, airy and punchy at the same time. Been comparing it to my faithful CHORD DAC64, and love it.
Highly recommended, the Reimyo.

dsper


nice system featuring Thiel CS5 loudspeakers. Join us over on the Thiel Owners thread. I would like to read more about you and your Audio journey.

Happy Listening!

Ayre QB-9 DSD (upgraded from the original Ayre QB-9) I've been upgrading my Ayre with SR fuses (current Blue) and added the Uptone Audio ISO Regen with the LPS 1.2 linear power supply. I also put an Akiko tuning stick in one of the Ayre XLR inputs. It's very neutral and transparent without sounding cold. Audirvana Plus is 100% compatible with my DAC and the upgrades. I'm running my Ayre DAC through an ASR Emitter II Exclusive amplifier and through a pair of Quad 2905 ESL's.
  I should have mentioned probably one of the best bargains for a dac, the Monarchy NM24. People don't go after it because the name doesn't impress their friends but that thing runs PCM-63's and I have owned it before. 

Actually, the NM24 used the 1704. It is the M24, which I have, that uses the 63.
Anyone use a Muse Model Two to stream and if so how did you integrated it into your system?