Topic: Grace M901 pricing/Benchmark DAC1/Mytek 24/96 DA

[ts]

Trying to get an idea of used price on M901 or would picking up a new DAC1 or Mytek be a better move?

[lds490]

Are you planning on using it as a pre-amp as well as a DAC?

[ts]

As a DAC

[JasonSobel]

well, I paid about $1200 or 1300 for mine, new.  I got a deal though, because it had been opened and used for a magazine review.  I'd imagine that I'd ask around a grand for mine, if I ever decided to sell it (but, to be honest, I can't imagine deciding to sell it any time soon).  I've compared it directly to the benchmark DAC1, and prefered the 901.  obviously, I'd say it was worth it to get a 901 over a DAC1.  I have never heard a Mytek DAC, so I can't comment (although based on the quality of their a/d units, I'd guess it sounds great.  The real problem is, where are you going to find a used grace 901?  at this point, the only way I'd ever consider selling mine is if I decided to buy an m902 to replace it.  I don't recall anyone ever selling their 901 here on taperssection, but I could be wrong.  do you know of one for sale right now?  just curious...

other considerations besides the sound of the unit, is how you'll be using it.  you say that you're planning to use it as a DAC.  why not also use it as your system pre-amp?  (I'm assuming, that you're using this not as a headphone amp, as it was originally intended).  Do you have a seperate pre that you're planning to use?  The only outputs on the 901 are stereo 1/4" outputs.  When I'm not using my headphones, I have a custom right-angle 1/4" to left/right RCA connectors.  This is a silver cable made by leegeddy, and it works great.  I then plug the RCA's into my amp and I'm good to go.  you'll probably need a similar custom cable as well.  just something else to think about.

[lds490]

The reason I ask is that I think all three of the DACs you list also have a gain control and can be used as a DAC/pre combo.  If I had the money, I'd purchase the new model DAC from Monarchy Audio, which also has a gain control.  If you don't need the gain control, you may want to consider one of the inexpensive DACs from China.  I just purchased a Lite 60 DAC from GR Research.  I have not received it yet so I can't tell you how it sounds.

I like the Benchmark DAC1.  I don't know much about the Grace or Mytek, though I believe they are both high quality.  I can't say which of these would be the best deal for you.  Sorry for not answering your question.

[ts]

I was just going to use it as a dac and headphone amp. Never thought about using as a pre, although I now see how easily it can be done. Maybe all 3 are overkill for my needs?

Right now for 16/44 playback, I have an Adcom GDA600 which has my dat player, cd player and DVD player connected to it, then into a Creek headphone amp and the outputs on the Creek go into my system pre. Works fine except for the 24/96 stuff. The GDA600 doesn't accomodate 24/96. The 600 locks onto it and plays it, so it must be converting it to 48K. So I'm looking for a decent DAC for the DVDa stuff. I've been trying to get an Adcom GDA700 which does 24/96 and they pop up used for around 300. However neither Adcom units have headphone amps, so I'd be looking at another headphone amp(2 different listening areas) for say another 200-300, which is why I'm now thinking of a used DAC1 which seem to go for around 675-750. Kill 2 birds with one stone kinda thing.

The 902 is more than I was looking to spend, and no I don't have a line on a used one. The Mytek new is 899 I think. So this DAC1 seems like the best option and possibilty for use as a another pre. Please jump in and straighten me out if I'm all wet here. Like should I just get another headphone amp for my DVD player and forget about a 24/96 DAC?

[pjdavep]

Trying to get an idea of used price on M901 or would picking up a new DAC1 or Mytek be a better move?

In Oct '04 I purchased an excellent condition Grace 901 for $940 (that includes shipping/fees, etc...).  I've seen them pop up on occasionally on Audiogon for $850-900.

Later,
   pjdavep

[BC]

So this DAC1 seems like the best option and possibilty for use as a another pre.

Don't forget the DAC1 only has digi inputs, no analog ins.

The 901 has analog ins. If you got it, you could probably replace your pre with the 901 and use it as a combo pre and DA.