Topic: How To Pick a DAC?

[Tim]

wish they had picked different names

[Since85]

Has anyone checked out the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC? This thing is awesome! In a few weeks, the bridge will be available for it, and it will work like a very high end Squeezebox type device. I would love opinions on this unit.
 

[live2496]

Whatever I get, I will be sending data to it from a PCI card in the computer.  I was going to go with the inexpensive M-audio Audiophile 192, but the Benchmark folks tell me it does something to the data stream. i.e. it isn't bit-transparent. 

They recommend a card by Lynx Studio ... have any of you tried their products?

Not sure what the issue is with the Audiophile 192. (jitter?)

Here is a recent thread on Brad Blackwood's Mastering forum on soundcards used. RME and Lynx are both popular.
http://recforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/t/30742/12697/

Gordon

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

As for NWA's Straight Outta Compton as a test CD ... they'd shit if I took that to a local specialty audiophile shop. I almost want to now, just for the reaction.  

You might be surprised at the reception you get.  Most smaller shops are well aware of the better mixed releases and appreciate them regardless of genre.  I was shocked at the positive reception I got when I brought in some of my better panic recordings ;-)

[scervin]

I'd also consider the Rick Cullen modified PS audio dac.
http://www.cullencircuits.com/webapps/site/67005/78076/shopping/shopping-plus.html?find_groupid=9539

Or the Wavelength Brick or proton dacs
http://www.usbdacs.com/

Cullen is relasing a couple new DAC's under the Wyred4sound brand.  Both are based on the ESS Sabre chip and the DAC-2 will have volume control and HT bypass.  After waiting forever on a used Empirical Audio Overdrive or Berkeley Alpha, I'm going to pick this DAC-2 up for $1500.  Hoping it sounds as good as everyone expects.  Cullen will also be offering I2S upgrades to various transports as support.

[heath]

Mytek FTW.  I've got three 8X192ADDA's at the studio now, and wouldn't trade em for anything (except maybe a DAD or Prism).  With regard to cards, I've used both the Lynx cards and RME cards without fail for years.  Currently running RME AES32 cards in all my boxes, but would not hesitate to move back to Lynx if the price and application were right.

[spyder9]

I'm very happy with my Benchmark DAC1.  Have it paired with a HT Omega Claro audio card, which has digi-outs.  Cleanest, most accurate, sounding system I've ever owned.   

[spyder9]

I'd also consider the Rick Cullen modified PS audio dac.
http://www.cullencircuits.com/webapps/site/67005/78076/shopping/shopping-plus.html?find_groupid=9539

Or the Wavelength Brick or proton dacs
http://www.usbdacs.com/

Cullen is relasing a couple new DAC's under the Wyred4sound brand.  Both are based on the ESS Sabre chip and the DAC-2 will have volume control and HT bypass.  After waiting forever on a used Empirical Audio Overdrive or Berkeley Alpha, I'm going to pick this DAC-2 up for $1500.  Hoping it sounds as good as everyone expects.  Cullen will also be offering I2S upgrades to various transports as support.

Cullen's son, Patrick, sells bigass custom power cables on Audiogon on the side.  Very impressed with the craftsmanship. 

[page]

I'm surprised we've gotten 15+ replies and not mentioned the Lavry DA10 or DA11.
I spaced on it for my first reply.

Btw, I've heard OFOTD's comment's echoed elsewhere.

[StuStu]

I'm also surprised that the Lucid DA 9624 hasn't been mentioned. I have both the Lucid and the Mytek Stereo 96. While I prefer the Mytek, the Lucid is an excellent DAC as well.

[jzahr]

The original poster should also consider Daniel Weiss products. Its DAC202 connects to the pc via firewire, but also supports input from s/pdif and toslink. Ther is also a studio oriented DAC2, without volume control.

http://www.weiss-highend.ch/dac202/index.html
http://www.weiss.ch/dac2/dac2.htm

Cheers