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Best DAC under $ 2,500 on used market

I have been looking at Esoteric cd players.....X series, DV-50 etc... I have a McIntosh 751 cd transport with the Esoteric die cast clamp and an rca output. What outboard dac's could put me in the performance range of an X-03 or so?
I am biased towards baas extension, bass power and dynamics.
Thanks for your advice.
Bill
billandsol
bigbucks5
183 posts
 
I also have an MCD751. I run it into an Esoteric D70 DAC. You might be able to find one in your price range.
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
I think you have many choices in that price range.

If it were me, I think a newer model Bel Canto DAC would be high on my list.

IF your system uses SS amplification, I would also consider a tubed DAC. You could start with an mhdt Havana (<$1000) and maybe move up from there if you feel a need.
jwmazur
179 posts
 
You might want to check with Steve Nugent at Empirical Audio as a safe bet. For that kind of scratch you could get something new from him plus he is always up on the latest in technology. He has a new DAC product that you might want to talk to him about.
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