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The big DAC decision

One of the challenges of building an audio system is trying to make sure that all of the individual components of that system have equivalent and compatible technical specifications. For example, it doesn’t make sense to purchase speakers that are capable of producing sound in the 5Hz to 20kHz range if your amp is only capable of sending audio signals in the 30Hz to 15kHz range to these speakers. Unless, of course, you hope to upgrade your audio system such that it can properly drive these speakers someday.

In my desire to build an audio system that has the proper balance of individual component capabilities I’ve found myself struggling over the choice of a DAC. Basic technical specifications aren’t necessarily applicable here. The foundation of my system is a Woo Audio WA-33 headphone amp and Focal Utopia headphones. My music files consist of standard CD 16bit/44kHz resolution to Hi-Res DSD files. What I’m struggling with is choosing a DAC that would allow me to get the most out of this amp and headphone pairing. From the research I’ve done so far it is clear that the $23k Meridian Audio Ultra DAC would bring out the best of any system it is connected to. But does it make sense to purchase a DAC of this quality (and price) for my humble headphone system? Or would it be more appropriate to get the Chord DAVE (setting the MQA format compatibility issue aside for this discussion)? I’m currently using an Oppo 105D as my DAC and the music sounds pretty decent, but I know my system can sound better.

So I was hoping to get some input from fellow audio enthusiasts out there to make what may be the most important decision of my system build. I’m also looking at getting a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 to power this system. Anyone out there have any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?


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Showing 2 responses by mahler123

mahler123
3,475 posts
 
There is a heck of a lot of DAC choices between the Oppo 105 and the 23K Meridian Product.  And yes, spending 23 K for your current setup, even with premium phones, strikes me as goofy in the extreme.
  I would sell the Headphone Amp and get a de ent Headphone Amp/DAC combination product.  The Brooklyn Erik mentioned is a solid recommendation. As is the Mytek Manhatten that I own.  Also Benchmark and several other companies make products that would fit the bill in a variety of price ranges
mahler123
3,475 posts
 
As has been mentioned, in the price range mentioned most DACs will sound very good.  The OP said he wants one that he can keep for years, so he or she might want to look at features.  I have a Bryston DAC 3 that has 4 HDMI inputs besides every other connection except Blue Tooth, and it doesn’t do MQA.  I use it primarily for the HDMI inputs:
1) to output the DSD from my SACDs using an Oppo 203 as a transport;
2) to connect Apple TV
3) connect a cable box
i also use the USB from my MacBook Air which is connected to my NAS.
Anyway, just a demonstration of how the features on that DAC are used.  They OP may want to evaluate what features are important to them
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