Should I pay a lot for a DAC?

I just read Sundance45's answer, and then looked at his 'for sale' items. If you could afford to buy his Krell KRC-3 pre-amp, it would be a piece that would probably last you the rest of your life.

I had a KRC-3 for 10 years before trading it, and I just traded it because I wanted something new. This pre-amp is a classic. I've seen articles on the Internet about 'stereo pieces to keep for life', and the KRC-3 usually shows up on them, just like the Levinson 36 and 37 Cd and DAC combo. It's that good!

Sundance is asking $1250.00 obo for it, which is what the dealer gave me when I traded mine in. It's list price was $3200.00. Pieces like this could be a cornerstone for your ultimate stereo. And I'm not blowing smoke here, in fact, it may help your stereo more than the DAC.

Chuck

Get an Ack dAck used for $325. Killer DAC that betters many for up to $4000. Really very nice sounding.

Bill

Another to consider used is an Aragon D2a2, probably about 400 used

Thanks very much for the comments. I'll save and go for the better DAC. So far I've got a pair of Martin Logan reQuests and a Krell KSA-150. Looking to get a tube amp for the highs and it looks like a Benchmark DAC or one mentioned in this thread.

Again, I think Krell Man has nailed it. My Krell KRC-3 up for sale and is in sale pending status. I had this pre for six years and it is still in perfect condition and still one of the best pres I've owned. I recently replaced the KRC-3 with a Classe CP-65 which in my opinion the Classe is a more refined pre, but certainly does not embarass the KRC-3. And a perfect match for the Krell KSA-150, which I have a modded 150 in my system for six years. If Winchel modded his 150 with Blackgates, even if it's only in the power supply, IMHO he would not need a tube amp for the top end. As Krell Man eluded to, if you don't have Amp and pre right, what ever comes after really does not matter.