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Next step after Benchmark DAC1

Hello guys! I was really in love with my DAC1 lately but it's time to upgrade but don't know where to.
Is there any of those who loved the first version and upgraded to something new from high-end line up? I love almost everything in DAC1, especially it's PRAT and signature, it's crystal clear and dead quiet. But there is one thing that forced me to sell it — there is a lack of resolution. It totally failed while I've bought my vinyl rig. Some guys told me that higher version PRE or HDR would sound better. Is that so?

The owner of DAC2 told me that it sound completelly different.

Other sources I've owned/listened and didn't liked are:
Lavry DA10
Ps Audio DLIII
VALAB NOS DAC
McIntosh MCD201, MCD500
Antelope

PS. I'm not into analog like sound and whatever it is. I need a quiet and crystal clear sound full of PRAT, that's what I call an egaging DAC.

My rig:
McIntosh MA2275
Klipsch RF-7II
Technics 1210 MKII + Ortofon 2M Black
theppd

Showing 7 responses by theppd

theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
Uh, thanks guys but the downside of the whole story is that I'm in Russia, that means no 30 days trial and no DAC2 available anywhere. One that I possibly can audition is Chord. BTW, why are you directing me towards the Chord, is that sounds like DAC1? Or it is simply a good one? Since there are planty of great DACs but they all sound different.

My budget is near $5k for used device.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
To be honest, I don't have the DAC1 already and the USB to SPDIF is some clever guess! Never thought of that as possible improvement. Yes I plan to use the DAC with MacMini (USB) and/or with my Apple TV (toslink) to line in in my amp.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
@Dne, ...and a warmer smoother overall sound... that's what I wouldn't like to hear. The DAC1 that I was using was connected via toslink only to variety of sources. Maybe that was the reason. But I've sold the DAC1 a year ago. Right now I'm buying it again (3rd time actually for the last 3 years) at head-fi the Pre version because of upgraded op-amps. I pland to hook it up via USB at the moment. A little bit later will buy the Berkeley USB, and then some fancy cables.
Will see what's gonna change with USB and op-amps only.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
Lately, 've listened Mytek, Electrocompaniet EMC1, MCD500 upgraded and T+A 3000 CD player. Across them all, liked more MCD500 and Mytek, but overall, it wasn't my type of sound at all. MCD500 and Mytek were like twins.

Still waiting my DAC1 PRE...
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
@Dne, just to clarify my previous experience with DAC1, I've had non USB version and fed it from Apple TV/MacBook Pro via Toslink. So maybe that was an issue source?

Right now, I'm waiting for the PRE version of the DAC1 and gonna feed it via stock USB at first, then I upgrade the power cable, since I've bought an amaizing RCA cable already it's Acrotec 2050 (really awesome sound for me), and then I'm about to buy top AQ USB cable, next up is Berkeley USB. So here are my plans for that setup. Oh, and the source is gonna be the Mac Mini.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
I actually have an ability to a/b those dacs by myself as soon as I'll get my DAC1 Pre. Hope soon.
theppd's avatar
theppd OP
18 posts
 
Meanwhile I've received my DAC1 Pre and at the same time the Acrolink 1400 speaker cable. Have to say, the Pre version is definately sounds more refined and no way harsh as it was in regular version. I really love the sound of my system now and there is nothing I would change almost 100%. Still waiting for another cable upgrades which are in the air (AQ Diamond USB, VHAudio Flavor 4, Hi-end fises).
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