Which DAC?

[George Hincapie]

The auction for my M-DAC ends tomorrow. I need a replacement to complement my system (P50SA, 2 x Audiolab 8000M, Marantz CD63, SSC, LS5, Cube 2); what should I consider?

TIA.

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

I have always liked this, and it is not part of the hi-fi rip-off as it is from a computer tech company https://www.asus.com/Essence-Hi-Fi-Audi ... sence_One/

It can be used as a pre as well but my opinion is don't, that is just commercial added value that can be ignored, it stands on it own as a very good DAC.

[Fretless]

If you can afford it, then my Hegel HD12 is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. A small, no-frills, black box with astonishing sound quality.

Seriously high-end performance: clear, neutral, dynamic, (ultra) quiet and built in Norway.
Blew my MF M1DAC into the dust

[wallace]

For the best sound per pound i have yet to hear a better one than Stan's Bushmaster MkII,plus,like the Doc's kit,if you don't like it you can send it back for a full refund.Worth a listen anyway.It's the cheapest and best one that i have owned.

[_D_S_J_R_]

I still rate the Rega DAC, as it always puts the music first and allows you to hear what the musicians are actually playing in a 'musical' sense. Makes earlier Stan-DACs (even the mk1 Caiman) sound small, almost 'one-note' and rather insignificant in comparison.

[wallace]

I still rate the Rega DAC, as it always puts the music first and allows you to hear what the musicians are actually playing in a 'musical' sense. Makes earlier Stan-DACs (even the mk1 Caiman) sound small, almost 'one-note' and rather insignificant in comparison.

I have not heard the Rega Dac,but i must agree that Stan's early models were as you describe,but his new models are a totally different design,and sound it.Definitely worth a listen.My Bushmaster is almost an empty box compared,allways a good sign i think... But not as empty as a naim flatcap

[terrybooth]

I've got a Caiman Dac (early) and a basic Asus Dac (there are different flavours of it).For me the Asus sounds better all round.

[_D_S_J_R_]

I still rate the Rega DAC, as it always puts the music first and allows you to hear what the musicians are actually playing in a 'musical' sense. Makes earlier Stan-DACs (even the mk1 Caiman) sound small, almost 'one-note' and rather insignificant in comparison.

I have not heard the Rega Dac,but i must agree that Stan's early models were as you describe,but his new models are a totally different design,and sound it.Definitely worth a listen.My Bushmaster is almost an empty box compared,allways a good sign i think... But not as empty as a naim flatcap

Great to know

[antonio66]

I took a look on fleabay and for some reason my links are not working but have listed a few for you to look at:-
Buffalo Dac 11
Resonessence Labs Concero
Benchmark Audio Dac 1
Musical Fidelity Tri Vista 21
Naim Audio but they are like marmite.
I have been using a Micromega Mydac which if you enjoyed the Musical Fidelity this would be one to avoid and your probably looking for one in a higher price bracket.
Good luck with your search

[Stemcor1990]

I use a teddy pardo dac. Plenty of reviews on the web and they are all positive. Teddy's marketing technique is the same as the Docs.

Available from his website, you can add a volume control and a 192 board. There are also options for various output sockets so you can order exactly what you need.