I am currently in the same bind. I just wrote the thread on digital or analog d/a convertors. Basically the price on high end processors is dropping like a Led Zepplin. I saw a Proceed PDP-3 which is a $2495 processor 6 years ago selling for >$400 and not going. That's just an example there is a lot of great prices on the older (non-upsampling) d/a convertors out there. The new generation of Per. Tech., MSB and Bel Canto must be great. I'm concerned that at the prices some of them sell (under $1k) that all the money is spent on the digital section, with a mass market analog section. Do these sound better than a Sonic Frontiers SFD-1 mk II convertor? I 've seen these for about $700 and would think the tube analog output with balanced outputs would sound better than the new digital with cheaper analog section. I haven't heard one of the new generation dacs yet. Are they that good? Or is it just the latest digital hype?
USED D/A - worth the effort?
My digital source is currently a CAL Icon MKII (NO HDCD/Powerboss). I have been looking at upgrading, but am not ready to spend big bucks for a new one box player. There is a proliferation of used D/As in the $300-$600 price range. Will an older Theta II or III sound any better than my Icon? How do these processors compare to current bargian processors like the MSB Link III (no upgrades)? I would plan on continuing to use the Icon as a transport. When I get past the other upgrades that need done first, I'll go for a new digital setup. ANY advise is appreciated!!!