Any dac recommendations for less than $1K?
Mcintosh Streamer or a DAC?
I have a 9.2.7 home theater using Paradigm Active Reference speakers and a Marantz 7702 processor with the pro kit room correction upgrade in a very well treated room. I am using a Blue Sound Node for streaming and a Sony Universal player for CD, Blueray and SACD. I am wondering about getting a Mcintosh MB50 streamer/preamp or a DAC (iFi Signature One or Black Ice Audio FX10 tube dac).
I have seen two youtube reviewers I like that have compared both Mac dacs or dac/ preamps with the iFi and say the iFi holds its own. The Black Ice Audio FX10 would introduce tubes into my all solid state system and I have never tried tubes before. The MB50 is around $1500 on the second hand market, the iFi is around $350 new and the Black Ice Dac around $1200 new. The Paradigm Active speakers are self powered and have both an XLR and RCA connection that I can toggle between so I can easily have two separate components connected at the same time.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Showing 4 responses by kota1
@vonhelmholtz , your post is very helpful, the Mac MB50 is only available in the used market which means no audition/ no returns. I'll stick with a new dac with a return policy to avoid buyers remorse. I saw a post here about the ethernet fiber converters, what's your opinion on them? |
@jonathonkimber , that is very helpful. I am looking at the Mac MB50, not the MS500, can you share any info? Thanks
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