Looking for a new usb DAC.

[Riddlinkidstoner]

I recently acquired a Cambridge Audio azur 640a which I replaced my receiver with for two channel audio. At the time I was using my receivers dac via optical out to my creative x-fi usb surround to my computer. Now thats all moved to the living room for demo preparation I'm connected via analog to my x-fi which then uses its dac which sucks.

Preferably under $300 would be great.

I was looking at some of the following:

Musiland Monitor 2
MisterX built Gamma 2
HRT Musicstreamer+
Cambridge DACMagic (Used for $300)
LittleDot DAC_I
Oritek V4

All my music streams from Pandora (high quality) or FLAC/Apple Lossess.

It does not REALLY have to be USB as some of the ones listed aren't. I can continue to use my creative x-fi surround for optical/toslink connection to my computer.

 

[H-Money]

http://www.acoustic-fun.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=31

try the KECES DA-151 Mk2

here is the head-fi review

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/review-keces-da-151-dac-800-hours-burn-297021/

 

[Riddlinkidstoner]

Reviews look promising. I wonder how much the socket upgrades will affect the unit.

 

[Cyclone]

misterx built me a combo gamma lite dac and mini3 amp (it has a preamp out for my monitors)
and i love it
can't recommend his workmanship and professionalism enough

 

[shadowlord]

the Cambridge DACMagic does sound good, is well regarded and will match your CA amp.
Maybe you can test listen to one in a audio store near you ??

The Audio-GD DAC200 is worth a look too imo.
I own a Audio-GD dac, and i can say only good things about them.
www.audio-gd.com/En audio-gd.htm

 

[zerodeefex]

If you could go up to $375, the gamma2 y2 DAC is amazing. I had a benchmark DAC1 USB > Audio-GD C2C to my HD600s, then tried a gamma2, sold the benchmark, and am waiting to hear back from misterx about the build.

 

[Riddlinkidstoner]

If you could go up to $375, the gamma2 y2 DAC is amazing. I had a benchmark DAC1 USB > Audio-GD C2C to my HD600s, then tried a gamma2, sold the benchmark, and am waiting to hear back from misterx about the build.

Just curious do you simply email him directly with what you want and a quote? Now I'm very interested hehe.

 

[Leman]

I wonder where MisterX got the face plates and slotted tops for that Hammond case. I'm looking to build a CK2III and a Gamma1, but the stock plates on the 1455T2202 look like ass, and the case is not ventilated.

The silver/black theme is what I'd like to aim for, but getting custom plates engraved/cut is expensive. I'd really, really like to not spend $30 on a plate, just to have all the holes a couple millimeters off. Also, silk screening/engraving.

As a side note, if you build your own DAC, a Gamma1 is about $100 in parts (including the case). I think a Gamma2 would push it up to $150 or 200, but I'm not sure.

A CK2III should be around $150, if you're looking for an amplifier. A M3 would probably run closer to $200 or over.

 

[Riddlinkidstoner]

Maverick Audio Tube Magic DAC has me super intrigued. Same as the Grand Fidelity DAC but half the price? Hmmm...