Electrocompaniet ECD-1 or Audio Logic 24MXL

The Audio Logic is a pretty good DAC for the price you can get it for used, but compared to some of the more recent popular DACs like Benchmark, Lavry, Stello, etc it is roughly the same sound quality with the advantage of being smoother and more tubey sounding but giving up some dynamics. The Accustic Art DacI Mk4 I have now is quite a bit improved over the 24mxl and I really didn't know what was missing till I compared.

I use my 24MXL with a 47 Labs Flatfish Transport- fantastic combo...

I am still undecided. I am currently using the Stax SR-404 with the SRM-1 MKII solid state amplifier and it sounds wonderful but my Rotel's internal DAC, though nice for the money I am sure, is not up to the task.

Routeman21: Would you describe the Empirical Audio modification as a worthwhile one? What characteristics are improved?

The SR-404 is known to have a bit of an emphasis on treble which I notice. But it is less of a problem to my ears when the source is improved (tried 24/48 DVD video through a Pioneer 51FD using 24bit/192kHz Wolfson DAC - smoother but the Rotel bettered it in PRAT). Also, the bass is incredible in its extension but it has less "impact" than I am wanting. Bass seems to significantly improve with better source as well. With these two things in mind it seems like the ECD-1 may give me improved bass and a slightly lessened treble which may lessen the headphones treble emphasis.

There seems to be varying opinions on the 24MXL. I get the impression that it is more dependent on system synergy.

I own an Empirical Audio modded ECD-1 that is for sale right here on Audiogon. The modifications open up the DAC very nicely and I would describe the sound as bold & dynamic. It improved every source (from cheap DVD player to expensive transport) I connected to it. I've never heard the Audio Logic 24MXL. Good luck with your search!

I have had the ECD-1 in my system for approximately 2 years. My previous DAC was a Musical Fidelity A324. My initial impressions was that the Electrocompaniet was slightly more forward and detailed than the MF but the differences were not as significant as I was expecting. After switching from RCAs to XLRs, the DAC really came into its own and has been a pleasure ever since.

Any more impressions?

Mykesinger- The 24MXL does have optional xlr outs- I ordered them on mine.

i really enjoyed the ecd-1 when i owned one - very musical and reasonably priced. it was displaced by the audio aero prima at 2.5 times the price with a "marginal" increase in performance.

I havent heard the the 24mxl but the ability to tube roll is really interesting ( the only reason i didnt go with the 24mxl was the need for xlr outputs)