2. digital
  3. 135914-10

Screaming bargains in DSD-capable DACs?

Hi,
My Musical Fidelity M1 DAC is getting long in the tooth, as they say. I want to replace it with a DAC that'll decode the DSD downloads that I can currently only play on my portable DAP (an iBasso DX 80).
As the title says, what currently is a screaming bargain in the world of DSD-capable DACs? New or used is okay.
Thanks in advance!
rebbi
9 responses Add your response
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Judging by all the measurements done by this obsessed guy who owns very nice measuring equipment on many budget friendly DSD dacs.
The $249?? Topping DX7 Balanced DAC /preamp/headphone amp, seams to be out in front, by a healthy margin using the latest ESS Sabre dac. Even up against $3.5k well regarded DSD dacs.

https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?forums/digital-audio-converters-dacs.10/

Cheers George
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Thanks to all for your suggestions! Any other ideas? 
ratboysr's avatar
ratboysr
60 posts
 
Pro-ject Pre Box S2 Digital is crazy inexpensive and sounds amazing to my ears.
canibefrank
406 posts
 
Cambridge Audio 851n
freediver
1,173 posts
 
Funny I heard the SMSL M8 in a tube based system & found it highly musical...
craigl59
307 posts
 
RME ADI-2 DAC; very hard to find because it is so good at its price point of $999. A DAC/Pre worth investigating.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
@rbischoff You get what you pay for? 😕
rbischoff
80 posts
 
I have the m8a. I find the treble to be quite etched.  I would not purchase it again.  
freediver
1,173 posts
 
Guys over at head-fi swear by the SMSL M8...
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Ayon Audio KRONOS TUBE DAC
80x80
Denafrips Audio New -Pontus -Gen-15- Dac
80x80
Denafrips Ares-Gen-15 Dac