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What DAC should I buy?

I am in the process of turning my home theater into a dedicated 2 channel system. I am selling my Lexicon DC1 and negotiating on a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp. I want an external DA converter I can use with my Monarchy Jitter box, and would like the DA converter to decode HDCD signals. I want to spend less than $1K (Used). Please recommend some DACs.

Thanks.
mdomnick

Showing 3 responses by zaikesman

zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Alright, already...the post goes up today, if they approve it! Look for the title Upsampling Put To The Test...and bring a comfortable chair, it's a long one... :-)
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Theta DSPro Basic IIIa with HDCD option installed is generally available used in your price range. I have the regular version of same w/o HDCD (paid $700 used) and run it with the Monarchy DIP 24/96 to good effect, but I have not tried the newer "upsampling" converters such as the MSB in my system (nor, of course, do I own any HDCD's). The Theta is a well-known, well-made, and highly-rated current-production model from a leading digital manufacturer that lists for around $2,800 new, but that seems to have fallen from favor price-wise on the used market because it lacks the latest buzzwords and has been around for a while, making it something of a deal. I have wondered how my unit would stack up against some of the newer models available for around $1,000 used (MSB, Bel Canto, Musical Fidelity, Perpetual Tech, etc.) but haven't been at all displeased with the sound I'm getting (with a Theta Pearl transport), so I've lacked motivation to check this question out for myself. Good luck with the search.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
This thread got way under my skin, I guess, because I just broke down and purchased (here on the 'Gon, natch) an MSB Gold Link III DAC w/P1000 Power Base, which is the dual-chip per channel, top-line model of the Link with standard 24/96 upsampling installed. Heaven help me, I've gotta know whether or not this "upsampling" business is gonna make a difference in my system vs. my above-mentioned Theta DSPro Basic IIIa DAC reference. I'm afraid I might be getting a little ridiculous here, since my collection is still over 90% analog vinyl, but I want a DAC that will stay abreast of technology through an upgrade path if at all possible, so when this new unit gets here, if it even sounds merely indistinguishable from my reference, I may end up swapping and selling anyway. I'll post again when I've determined anything (other than my neuroses, that is). Pray for me...
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