Soekris DAC1541 discrete R2R 27bit Multibit! Best Redbook DAC? and Native DSD.

I spent a good 10 minutes and cannot find the cost.

It says 1290euro in the first link. = $1500usd

I note it has configurable filter settings (4?)

Yes and also I think you can make your own up as well using your computer? And it does native dsd if your into that.

The best part is it has it own volume control also remote’able if you have a $10 Apple remote.
As well as it’s 50ohm output impedance at 2.2v as good as any preamp can be. So direct to amp is the way to go.

Cheers George

It says 1290euro in the first link. = $1500usd

Yes, I missed it. Can't see the forest through the trees I suppose. That price seems a bit "inexpensive". 

"inexpensive"

Or it’s a bargain. Doesn’t have to clean out your bank account to be good. Just look at the chassis plain and inexpensive, the goods are on the inside, the circuit.

Then look at something like the $15k Aussie dollar Jeff Rowland Continuum 2 amp that has a mega dollar chassis, but a $100 Class-D Chinese amp circuit inside.
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/pics/jeff_rowland_continuum_2_large_inside.jpg

http://discosoundequipment.sell.everychina.com/p-99120690-professional-audio-disco-sound-equipment-class-d-modules-for-active-speakers.html

Cheers George

Actually, the same dac but without balanced output is the DAC1421 and it’s only 735euro = $853usd.

In those exhaustive tests it said the single ended output measured slightly quieter than the balanced anyway.

Cheers George

@georgehifi

FWIW, (likely not all that much), and from what I can gather (without extensive research), the Soekris has been well reviewed elsewhere and found "very clean, precise, and with a black background", but not in the same "class" as Yggdrasil. Specifically, bass, dynamics and soundstage (lacking in comparison).

EDIT:

Note I intentionally used the word "inexpensive" and not "cheap". So I agree with you. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good.