I need a DAC with a small footprint: standard width okay, but shorter depth (maximum of 11", shorter better). I also would prefer balanced outputs. Price range is up to $3K, new or used. Any suggestions most appreciated.
I'll second the Benchmark. The Cambridge DacMagic is also very good, though decidedly warmer sounding than the DAC 1. IMHO, in some systems, the Cambridge will be a better choice. It is also a great value at <$500.
The DacMagic is excellent, but with a budget up to $3K, it is certainly not in the league of the Bel Canto DAC3 suggested earlier. As a disclosure, I sell both brands.
Apogee Mini-Dac is less than $1,000, very small, very versatile, supports high sample rates, had balanced outputs, a good headphone amp, and sounds very good to me.
I just picked up aben Benchmark Dac 1 USB...I would not call it warm, but pretty accurate. The rest of my system was on the warm side,,,It's still breaking in though. Love It so far
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