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Need Advice on a DAC for my Music Server?

I live in the Dallas, TX area and i can't really find way here to audition any dac. Currently i'm currently rig = merdian 506.24 cdp>naim amp>wilson benesch Curve. I'm pretty happy with this setup. I've been using a theta pro II Dac with my mac (apple lossless) and m-audio usb through s/pdif. The does not sound as good as my CDP player. I'm thinking about purchasing a new dac. I've read alot about many dacs and would like to spend about 1500 USD. To give a idea of my listening prefrence, i really like the sound of the naim cdp. I've heard alot about the bel canto dac2 and the benchmark dac1.

As mention above, i can't audition these.....so can anyone recomend me which is better suited for me or maybe somethng else. I just don't want to buy and return things over the mail.

Thankds
seekill

Showing 3 responses by pardales

pardales
652 posts
 
Do check out threads on just this topic that have appeared here before--much good info already been written. That said, I think Audioadvisor.com sells both the Bel Canto and Benchmark and offers a 30 day trial so you do not have to keep them if you don't want.

For just a little more than your price you might be able to find a used Dodson 217 MK II-D which is a great DAC. If you did not like it, you could sell it easily.
pardales
652 posts
 
My understanding is that Lossless is not actually compressed. It is smaller than a regular file but that does not mean the music is compressed. Others who know more than I do have written about this on other threads here with more sophistication, but, my understanding is that a bit for bit rip of a song from CD contains a lot of empty space that is not necessary for accurate reproduction. The lossless schemes have found a way of removing the empty space without removing the vital data. I have read articles where reviewers have made bit for bit comparisons and found the lossless schemes to be bit perfect. So, I disagree with Duane's statment. Lossless files through a DAC in your price range can sound great.
pardales
652 posts
 
Here is an article that I think does a nice job of explaining things. I am not
sure who's point it supports I just think it is great information.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/nugent.htm

Here is another good link that, if I recall, talks about various things realted to
ripping and lossless formats; after you click the link got the May 2005 article:

http://www.modernhometheater.com/howto/index.html

My personal experience: I did NOT notice a significant difference between my
hard drive based system (see my system and other posts i've made on this
topic) and using a CEC TL-51X transport. I also thought my hard-drive based
system - using the Waveterminal U24 as a DAC - bested my old XA777ES on
redbook (not SACD though).

Hope this helps further the overall discussion.
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