Breakout DAC for 2013?

I disagree with Elizabeth. With the continuous development of computer audio, and HD and DSD downloads slowly but surely replacing CDs and SACDs, there have been advances in DAC quality, features and price lately: 24/192 and DSD capability, asynchronous USB, battery power, regulation, under-$1K value, etc.

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I do not believe in 'santa claus, nor the easter bunny, nor that some cheap DAC is suddenly going to be THE one to 'break through' and be fantastic, way better than anything prior, and only cost $100

It seems you don't believe in technology advances either.

Jeez...way to throw a wet blanket over the whole thread Elizabeth.
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Wet blanket? good. At least the idea that every new DAC out there is NOT the next World beater will sink in.
Certainly many areas have had additions to what a DAC can do, USB, 24/192.. but those are in most new DACS, none of which is the magic bullet DAC requested.
I was ranting abouut all the mini hype over each new DAC popping up, as if that DAC was somehow 'special" Well it AIN'T!!
If i needed USB, or 24/192 I am certain plenty of used DACs which are no longer the "DAC flavor of the day" will do fine.
I am only railing at the idea out there is some magic DAC no one has heard of which is perfect, dirt cheap, infinitely upgradeable, and ALL my friends will look at with awe.. NOT.
If busting that bubble hurts.. so be it.

Depending on where you get it the Chord QuteHD is in your price bracket. To me it represents a new standard in price-performance - its the first DAC that actually bested my beloved PDX (admittedly with less than optimum valves) - and its considerably cheaper - amazing achievement.

Thanks
Bill

I agree with Elzabeth that DACs are a highly flavor of the month and giant killer hype prone category of electonics. In my limited experience there are not game changing breakthrough technologies, but by and large you get what you pay for (with clear price/performace leaders in each price range of course). Having said that, D/A technology (and price performance) has been steadily improving over the year.