2. digital
  3. 132521-2280

Seeking Advice on NOS DAC

Looking to purchase an NOS DAC, budget is $1500.
Currently available for sale are:

- Metrum Acoustics Hex digital converter  (used)
- Metrum Acoustics Amethyst DAC       (new)
- Acoustic Plan Digimaster Tube DAC     (used)
This is a German-built NOS, 24-bit R-2R resistor ladder network, PCM1704U-K converter with 4 tube EC 86 triode outputs.
- HOLO Audio Spring DAC – LEVEL 2    (new, but over my budget of $1500)

My primary listening is via the PS Audio PWT, while music files on my Mac are steadily increasing. I’m thinking NOS due to my large collection of Redbook CD's.

So, any experience or comments on which way to proceed is appreciated.

128x128lowrider57

Showing 5 responses by jond

jond's avatar
jond
5,688 posts
 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-dac-see-photo-2017-11-13-digital

I have an AN DAC-3 Signature I would highly recommend this 2.1 Signature for the sound for which you seem to be looking.

jond's avatar
jond
5,688 posts
 
@lowrider57 AN dacs of that vintage don’t have USB inputs, mine doesn’t I use coax. You could of course get a usb/spdif converter. As far as questions I wouldn’t stress too much about caps my DAC is Circa 1995 and still going strong. It’s a pretty low stress environment in terms of the output stage. perhaps ask for some interior pics? I don’t think there’s much to worry about AN has fantastic interior build quality.
jond's avatar
jond
5,688 posts
 
@lowrider57 did the seller every get back to you on that AN 2.1 Sig?
jond's avatar
jond
5,688 posts
 
@lowrider57  I would not worry about the AD1865 chip, Audio Note is still using it and they have spares. That being said I just racked my brain and cannot recall anyone saying an actual converter chip failed on them. It must be an exceedingly rare occurrence.
jond's avatar
jond
5,688 posts
 
@lowrider57 cool I hope it works out for you!
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