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Top Choices Under 2K Dac and Transport

Helping a friend put together a separate digital system. Keep the price at $2,000.00 and under for a DAC and Transport. He does have a Onix XCD 88 CDP,that could be used as a transport if need be. Keep your choices solid state and those you actually use or have heard, and the signature they present. Many thanks.
ferrari
6 responses Add your response
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'm curious as to your limitations, but I'll play along.
I'd recommend a used Classe DAC-1, can be had for around $1K, I don't think it's rich, vibrant tonal colors, or soundstage can be beat at this price. Transport? How about the matching Classe CDT-1?

John
ferrari OP
617 posts
 
Thanks for the input. Limitations are those imposed by the client. I have personally had the Classe .5 CDP and really liked that unit, not the problematic Philips 12.4 CDM used in it.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I agree that the Classe' DAC-1 is a great unit at $1K.
nutella
223 posts
 
I'd suggest the Museatex Bitstream dac (modded by John Wright of Museatex) with a Theta data II. That should put him at around 1000 to 1200 bucks. Add a decent digital cable and you still are under 1500. This is one of the best combos I have heard (including Audio Aero and Sim Audio).
nilthepill
842 posts
 
One more vote for Classe CDT-1/DAC-1 combo. As long you don't listen back to back with a good vinyl set up, it might fool you in believing you are listening to a analog set up (with right cabling)
wshuang
15 posts
 
meridian
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