To Dac or not to Dac


I have a NAD 525 BEE in a room with a second system. I would rather not buy a new CDP, but would like to try an outboard DAC, thinking I could always use the DAC on another digital device. What do you guys think of the Jolida tubed DAC (FX series) or the Micromega unit? I would like to stay below $500 new.
drjjpdc
I would look for DAC that also have USB. Past century DACs wouldn't make a sense to me nowdays, when I download several gigabytes of music every day and listen. I picked Mytek DSD, but in your case for lower budget I would look for Cambridge DACMagic special deals on sweetwater, b&h photo-video, fullcompas or similar pro-audio sites.
Can't comment on either of your choices but there is a like new Peachtree Audio "MusicBox"currently for sale here on Audiogon(NOT mine)priced just under your budget.I have one driving a pair of Sonus Faber Toy Monitors with an Asus laptop as source & it sounds AMAZING!
The "MusicBox" has Multiple Digital Inputs,Direct Digital iPod Dock,a 12AX7 Dual Triode Tube that not only drives the PreAmp section(with PreAmp outputs to feed your NAD)but also drives a wonderful sounding HEADPHONE Amp AND even includes a kick ass little 20wpc.Mosfet Amplifier!
ABSOLUTELY THE BARGAIN OF THE CENTURY!!!
Thank you,
My choices were not etched in stone, but were price driven models. Thanks for your input on the Cam and the Peach.
Tmsorosk,
As living techie I can tell that tube DACs are only for audiophile community. All they do is show glowing tubes inside the chassis. They've been placed on the output stage, but all we perfectly know that to make a computer processor out of tubes takes a space larger than fridge in your kitchen!