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Budget DAC

Now that I have my vinyl collection and audio gear set up, I am now looking to put together a desktop configuration on a budget. Don't have the $$ to spend on a high priced DAC so I am looking for some suggestions. I would like to spend around $500 for the DAC. It will be paired up with Monitor Audio BX2 speakers,NAD C326 Integrated Amp and Digital Storm desktop.

I have looked at MusicHall, Cambridge Audio, Arcam etc. Also did research on PSAudio, DBLabs, Stello, Rega etc. Would like 24bit/192kHz and a USB option. Thank you for your help/guidance.
pmshow
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Musiland
timlub
1,649 posts
 
Every recommendation here is very good...
At $150.00 you can't beat the Musiland Monitor 02US, it also will do all sample rates 16/44, 24/48 through 24/192 through all inputs spdif, toslink and even USB, it is surprisingly musical.
The HRT sounds very good also, but is USB only and samples up to 24/96, but the easiest to use of the bunch as it is powered off of the usb. I have not heard the Hegel, but has a great reputation. The Schiit starts shipping in a couple of weeks, of course no one know how good it will be, but my buck would gamble that it will be excellent. Both these boys have a great reputation and have built some great gear.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
No brainer: PS Audio DLIII used. You can have it upgraded later, or sell at a minimal loss.
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
I'm with Jax2 on this. You can do a lot of research or get the PS Audio DLIII and be done with it.
That's what I did anyway. It was my second choice, but I got tired of waiting for my first choice. Very happy with the PS Audio and I don't even recall what my first choice was.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,502 posts
 
How about a Grant Fidelity DAC-09 with an upgraded GE 5670 NOS tube? I have this combo now in a secondary system and it is a quite nice sounding addition. New this would be under $250. Since the newer DAC-11 will be coming out soon you will probably find a bunch of DAC-09s hitting the secondary market. You could have a nice sounding DAC for under $200.
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