DAC - Maverick Audio D1 Plus

[JimmieC]

I was thinking about getting a Audioengine D1 because several on here liked them and was wanting to upgrade the DAC without spending to much.  I was going to get a USBPre2 but found a Littlebox preamp instead.

What about the Maverick Audio D1 Plus as a DAC or get a Audioengine D1?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maverick-Audio-D1-Digital-to-Analog-converter-DAC-Headphone-Amp-Tube-PreAmp-/331132106362?pt=US_Headphones&hash=item4d1902f67a

or upgraded one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Maverick-Audio-D1-DAC-Digital-to-Analog-Converter-Headphone-Amp-Tube-PreAmp-/331095392715?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d16d2c1cb

[OOK]

I have read there are some quality control issues with the Maverick audio stuff.  Not real bad just minor stuff....  I can't quote directly where but I know I read it on Headfi.org.

If you really want a quality entry level amp and dac...  check out  "Schiit Audio".  While I don't own a piece of schiit yet, I will.  I have read really good things about the Modi Dac (99$) and their Magni Amp(99$).  Their quality control is top notch and they offer 2 or 5 year warranties on their gear, depending on what you buy.

Also check out JDS Labs O2 Dac/Amp combo.  This Dac/Amp is now legendary in the audio world. 

Hope this helps... peace         OOK

[JimmieC]

Yes it helped a lot OOK.  I think I am going to go the route of just a DAC and not a combined DAC/AMP in one unit.  Not sure which one but I like the 2 you mentioned.  Wish the S/N ratio was higher but then again I don't understand all the methods of calculating and they may be great. 

However, now they (Schiit and JDS) have me worried about jitter after reading their websites.  For the lower end (entry-level) DACs, is it better to convert a 24/48 source to 24/44 before playback?

[OOK]

I not sure regarding the jitter numbers... however it is unlikely you are going to find a stellar true low jitter DAC in your price range.  I didn't see anything on the schiit website about the modi jitter numbers.  I can't access JDS from work for some reason. 

As far as playback that is up to you, but the better the bit rate and sampling the better the recording is technically.  However I personally believe you need the radar of a bat to tell the difference.  I have a good ear for a 45 year old male.... but the diference between 16/44 and 24/44 and 24/48 is so small I am not sure I could tell the diference with a live recording.  There is so much extra niose in a live recording that doesn't have anything to do with bit rate and sample rate I don't think it matters.   Where you may notice a diference is in headroom... between 16 bit and 24 bit.  Otherwise it is more for archival purposes than anything.

peace OOK

[JimmieC]

It just seemed like the Schiit website was talking up the more expensive DAC with Adapticlock.  The JDS quote the ODAC S/N using the 24/44 and figured it was due to jitter and jitter increasing with higher sampling frequency and type of clock.  I'll probably just continue to listen to 24/48 but could allows do a test.

I went ahead and ordered the Schiit Modi.  I'll keep looking at their preamps, may be the VALHALLA 2.

Thanks for the suggestions and let me know about the US made entry-level DAC.

[OOK]

I'll keep looking at their preamps, may be the VALHALLA 2.

me too 

[ero3030]

looking a for a cheap HQ DAC?  with USB?   check out        Ross Martin's DAC's.          i love the DIY look.  my whole system is just about all hand built or DIY.   some people may not like the fit and finish and not gives these a second look.  with all the options and there price..............  no brainer for me.  hope u check them out.  ed