2. digital
  3. 1226410029

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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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.
lightminer
164 posts
 
The Bel Canto and Bryston new DACs are in that range and are pretty darn good. They represent the latest in technology - DACs loose value as new formulas come out, I'm not sure you'll do better with used over those two at around 2 or 2.5k. With amps or other stuff, I wouldn't say that.
More to discover