Which DAC? SFD-1 MKII/Bel Canto DAC1/MF A3.24

In addition to your existing options you might want to consider a non-upsampling filterless DAC like the Audio Mirror D1 for $499 new. I have heard the Bel Canto and while it is a fine piece of equipment I was not impressed with it versus others I tested in it's price range.

It was the Bel Canto 2. I also listened to the Shigaraki 4715. Both of these DACs are in the $1400 - $1500 range new. The Benchmark DAC 1 and MSB Nelson Link III, both $995 new. The Audio Note 1.1x and 2.1x ($2000 - $2750 new). Of all of these only the Audio Note 2.1x sounded superior to the Audio Mirror, and not by that much. The Audio Mirror was significantly better than the Bel Canto and MSB. Shigaraki was a disappointment (I was seduced by the design and was favoring it) but I think the Shigaraki sound is an acquired taste. Versus the Benchmark, I think it was just a preference for me that lead me to favor the Audio Mirror sound. At that point I was convinced a non-upsampling/oversampling and filterless DAC was the way to go. Otherwise I would have bought the Benchmark.

All in all the D1 just sounded right to me and had a very analog sound to it. Something I was looking for. Audio Note had it as well, but at 4 - 5x the price I could not justify them. So much so I bought a second one.

Evan,

www.audiomirror.com

Vlad is out of stock right now which is why his ad on Audiogon is not running. He is gearing up the next production run. His website is light on marketing, but the description of the D1 and the benefit of filterless and non-upsampling is dead on. Also, go to the Audio Note and Sakura Systems websites (just look up these companies on Audiogon in the Manufacturers Directory) and read their tech papers on non-upsampling filterless designs (I did this as part of my research). There is a lot of good information here. Also, the D1 runs 8 Burr Browns in parallel and uses teflon caps. It is worth a try (ask Vlad for a 30 day trial). Also, if you don't like it you can sell it on Audiogon in no time flat. I have seen two for sale here get snatched up the same day the ad was posted (I bought one of them).

NOTE: the price listed on the website is $999. If you want to reserve one just email Vlad and let him know you want the Audiogon price of $499.

What are you using for a transport? Have I got a mod for you that works great with the D1. Feel free to email me if you like as I don't want to go to astray of the thread.

Evan,

Trust me, I had the same reaction to Audio Note and Shigaraki from a price and performance perspective, but the research and concepts they presented convinced me that the non-upsampling filterless design was the way to go. That is how I ended up with Audio Mirror. You get the right design at the right price. Now, Scott Nixon and I believe Ack also offer this design in the same price range so you may want to check them out as well.

Vlad usually takes about 2 days to respond, lots of people trying to contact him. Be patient with him.

Evan,

Trust me, I had the same reaction to Audio Note and Shigaraki from a price and performance perspective, but the research and concepts they presented convinced me that the non-upsampling filterless design was the way to go. That is how I ended up with Audio Mirror. You get the right design at the right price. Now, Scott Nixon and I believe Ack also offer this design in the same price range so you may want to check them out as well.

Vlad usually takes about 2 days to respond, lots of people trying to contact him. Be patient with him.

Kowrath,

Still a great deal at $700 - $800. I'd stay on top of Vlad about the $499 price, he just offered me a sweet deal on his PP1 preamp ($1200 MSRP) so he is definitely negotiable.