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Back to the DAC

Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

128x128navyachts
tvad's avatar
tvad
11,525 posts
 

Bricasti Designs M1 Upgrade Price List (upgrade to M1 Series II from M1 or M1 SE). I previously mistakenly referred to this upgrade as M21 from M1.

All Bricasti DACs have volume control. M3 has an optional remote. Remote adds $250 to a new M3, so negligible in a used M3 (no one prices their used M3 without remote for $250 less). Network may not be needed, but there’s not much difference in price between a used M3 with and without LAN. Maybe $500. Network adds value to a used M3, and makes resale easier.

 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,841 posts
 

@tvad gives I believe excellent advice…. Buy / borrow / beg a few w solid resale and live w them a bit…. Then cull the herd and move North in the line w upgrades / model change…. Just my $1.50

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,323 posts
 

@navyachts you might not need network card but on a used dac it isn’t much if a price difference. Remote is an excellent option. Preamp is included no matter what. It’s an excellent preamp with properly implemented volume control that is defeated thru setup. 

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
477 posts
 

@tvad @tomic601 @audphile1 OK, sure is nice to have such a large and knowledgeable support group, thanks to you all, very helpful! I will continue my search for now... 

dmiller01
15 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 👍😁The MPD-6 is excellent. I've heard the MPD-8 described as slightly warmer, but I have not heard them side by side. Have fun with the Yggi vs LIM. 

 

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