Topic: switching out my DAC

[MattD]

I recently switched from a Mytek Stereo96 DAC to the Benchmark DAC1 HDR. For those of you who know me, you might think I've gone nuts. However, I'm very happy with this change. I think the Benchmark is a better fit for my system (PS Audio GCA-100 > PSB Symphony 6) than the Mytek was. There were also some small additions that I really liked. The plug-and-play USB is a killer feature. It ... just ... works. I was sure I would have to tweak something, but other than changing my output device in foobar, that was it. That feature also allowed me to free up a traditional digital input. The analog input (preamp) is another fantastic addition that I am using.

I think the Benchmark conveys bass better in my system and is more open than the Mytek was. In fairness, it's a small difference. Both are fantastic pieces of gear. If I still owned Von Schweikerts, I might think otherwise. The Mytek was a very good match for them.

[rastasean]

have you seen this thing?

http://www.centrance.com/products/dacport/

it looks handy for traveling but you could also connect speakers to it.

[kindms]

I have been extremely happy with my recent purchase of the Audio gd FUN

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/FUN/FUNEN.htm

Kingwa (The Guy in China) is very easy to deal with and shipped quickly. You can have it custom or also get the modules to swap in etc.

When I picked it up it was 16/48 over USB and 24/96 on the COAX / Optical. I just noticed he has a new module for the USB to support 24/96 over USB as well as 24/192 on the other inputs

It is a DAC / Headphone AMP / Pre AMP. It drives my AT50's with little effort. I am currently using it as a DAC and headphone amp. Source > FUN > analog > Musichall Mambo > VR2's

It was about $300 or so with shipping. I read a bunch about it over at headfi.org and decided to take a chance. Very solid build construction etc

[audBall]

^^ That FUN DAC looks very nice.  I like the addition of the headphone amp and its ability to run 24/96 over USB.  I've been thinking about swapping out the Mytek lately as well since I tape ever so rarely, and can't really justify keeping such nice gear now that I'm back in school.  Do you order directly through their site?  I only took a quick glance. 

[Jimna]

no remote, right?  looks neat.

[kindms]

^^ That FUN DAC looks very nice.  I like the addition of the headphone amp and its ability to run 24/96 over USB.  I've been thinking about swapping out the Mytek lately as well since I tape ever so rarely, and can't really justify keeping such nice gear now that I'm back in school.  Do you order directly through their site?  I only took a quick glance.

I sent him an e-mail to start the process etc. paypal'd the $$ etc (they sent me an invoice etc) his English is pretty good.

And correct no remote.