I received my Dac1 (w/o usb) today and was absolutely surprised at how good it sounds, right out of the box. I'm using it with my squeezebox (CI power supply and upgraded power cord between the two) and absolutely agree about the power issue. Mine is using a shuntata taipan helix Vx into a hydra 8 - a bit overkill but I had the extra PC and the hydra had an open digital socket.
The convenience is awesome. I haven't compared it to my esoteric x-03 se but my intent was to use it for casual listening. After listening today, it isn't so "casual" but a very involving experience. I haven't tried the Bel canto Dac 3 either, and did consider it, but for the money, I just can't complain (yet).
The convenience is awesome. I haven't compared it to my esoteric x-03 se but my intent was to use it for casual listening. After listening today, it isn't so "casual" but a very involving experience. I haven't tried the Bel canto Dac 3 either, and did consider it, but for the money, I just can't complain (yet).