Enjoy - let us know how it goes! Looks cool with the direct iphone input as well!
What are you upgrading from?
What are you upgrading from?
Looking for a integrated DAC/AMP to power my Elac UF5's < $1500
I have also been reading about mismatch between amps, dacs and pre amps that I assumed that if I buy an integrated, I wouldn’t have two components exacerbating certain frequencies and making the sound too harsh. not sure if makes sense :) It makes some sense, but only if the DAC/Amp combo itself elicits overall sound that’s pleasing to you, which may or may not be the case. Toward that end, it would help immensely if you could describe in more detail what sound characteristics of a system are most important to you as well as what characteristics you’d like to avoid. You’ll get much better and more meaningful recommendations here, combo or otherwise, with that crucial info. And yes, in general there can be some value advantages to buying integrated audio products, but as usual in audio there are trade offs. In this case, combining noisy digital components in the same box as the amplification components is less than optimal (although you do save a digital interconnect). Plus, as DAC technology progresses, which it is doing at a rapid pace, having a separate DAC makes some sense as it makes future upgrades much easier — trying to resell a DAC/Amp combo with an older DAC section will likely negatively impact its future value. Just some things to consider while making your decision. |
@soix I thought I saw the other way around, that I possibly could get a better value for the money going with integrated. Another reason to that is that I have also been reading about mismatch between amps, dacs and pre amps that I assumed that if I buy an integrated, I wouldn't have two components exacerbating certain frequencies and making the sound too harsh. not sure if makes sense :) @antman I looked at the nova 300's around, the 500 is way too much for my needs. The Carina might be in a different league then the UniFi's. But I'm already considering replacing the UniFi's with some Focal Aria; There is a pair of 926 listed on craigslist for $1500 for the pair. |
Not sure if you want a DAC/Amp combo for space or what, but it somewhat limits your choices in your price range especially if you’re in need of some robust power. If you can deal with a separate integrated amp and DAC you could pick up a new Rogue Sphinx V2 for $1100 from Acoustic Sounds and a used Schiit Bifrost Multibit for around $300 - $400 and have a very nice sounding and powerful system. The Sphinx puts out 100Wpc and doubles to 200Wpc into 4Ohms, and you have the flexibility to swap the tubes in the preamp section to further customize the sound if desired. Best of luck. |
Thanks. I will look into it.just for the record, here are some of the contents that I was looking at. I started with getting an Emotiva PT-100+A300; heard that musicality and emotiva don't go well into the same sentence. :( NAD C388 : avsforum seems to have a lot of unhappy customers, both with sound quality and reliability. Hegel H80 : This one seems to be a beast, but I'm personally concerned about buying a 6 years old unit.. PeachTree Decco 125: Heard that it has a good DAC but the amp section is the weak link and leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know if people are waayy to picky or there are only really not that many good options in my price range. It seems that the ELAC's make everything worse due to low efficiency and 4 ohm, it greatly narrows down options available. |
Maybe a Nuprime IDA-8. At $1100 new, I don’t think you can do better for the money. They do turn up used from time to time. Mike P.S. For every product, someone will hate it. For every product, someone will love it So you won't find a unit that is entirely without negative comments. If possible, listen for yourself (trite advice, I know, but valid.) |