2. digital
  3. 166068-159859

Best Bang for your Buck DAC ?

I just realized I’m in the market for a DAC , I don’t want to spend a fortune on a DAC either . I picked up a drangonfly cobalt a while back and am unimpressed  so I moved it to my CPU and sounds really good on my system there which when I bought it figured I would do anyway since it was my first DAC purchase . There are so many DACs I have no clue , how high up on the returns chart can I go at say $1,000 before I run into heavy Diminished returns resistance. I’m open to buying used . I was thinking about a Schitt made in the states ? Anyone’s take on best bang for buck DACs? 
ngiordano
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,009 posts
 
I second the Musical Fidelity v90 dac, although I tout it all the time. It is a stereophile class A recommended component. It has many inputs, 2 toslink, 1 usb, and 1 coax. It has beautiful case work, small form factor and sounds terrific. You could change out power supply as someone else mentioned, but I do not find it necessary. 
dyson2004
42 posts
 
Denafrips Ares 2. It’s a wonderful DAC. 
dyson2004
42 posts
 
@bcdavid I agree. Denafrips make fantastic DACS. Have you also tried their Iris?
superstoked
31 posts
 
Check out the Mytek liberty. American company, does Mqa through spdif, coax, or usb, also a headphone amp. I couldn’t be happier with mine, especially since I added a linear power supply. This thing sings! Also if you should need service, it goes to Brooklyn not somewhere in China. Just my two cents.
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
518 posts
 
Better look for good return policy.  Some are quirky to operate.   Apos audio sells several brands.  Audio Mirror, Gustard, Schiit, Topping, Chord, just to name a few are good sounding.  
More to discover