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High output DAC?

Greetings from Spain

I wonder if anyone can tell me the output levels of some DACs:
I need a high output, balanced DAC.
My line stage has a weak gain even using balanced in/out (Audio Research Ref 3) and I'm dissapointed at having to increase the volume to get response from the preamp. (my phono preamp drives it better!)

I have now the Krell Stealth, but seems to be also weak (maybe 2 v max on balanced?) I tested the Theta Pro Basic II balanced and liked it, but couldn't keep because of the price asked.

Any info is really appreciated.
Thanks!
Marcelo
marcelo_cinicola
rockvirgo
587 posts
 
All the Theta DACs have high outputs. In a Stereophile interview the designers claimed they sounded better that way. Both the Pro Prime IIa and Pro Basic IIIa have balanced analog outs, and sell used in the USA around $350-400 and $650-800 respectively. I've owned both but prefer the Pro Basic III because it features AES/EBU input from the transport.
dne
139 posts
 
The XLR outs of the Benchmark DAC1 are high output. I don't recall the level but you can check the manual online: Benchmark Media
imin2u
392 posts
 
My Electrocompaniet ECD-1 is definitely high output (unless everything else I have is low output). We're talking a couple hours difference on the clockwise motion of the pot.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I'd like to second Johnd's suggestion of the Timbre. I live near the two owners of the company, when they were in business, and a few visits to one of their homes was absolutely astonishing in that the DAC really did sound like analog. Through the years, I've never bought one, but I have yet to erase it from my mind either...
jax2
3,031 posts
 
The XLR outs of the Benchmark DAC1 are high output.

The Benchmark is pretty versatile in that regard. You can switch back and forth (on the back) to use the op-amp/volume pot, or have a fixed output and bypass the op-amp. In the fixed mode it also has tiny pot screws, one for each channel, that allow you to adjust the fixed output of the Benchmark. I cannot recall the range of that adjustment, but I'm sure you can find it online, per the other poster's suggestion.

Marco
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