Good budget DAC?

tjwm338 · Oct 23, 2014

Hi everyone,

Recently my DAC died on me. Have been using it for years and since its a budget one, figured I look for a replacement. In any case, I also felt that it wasn't bringing out the best in the system.

Am looking for a budget DAC (below 1000 quid). Anyone knows of any good one to recommend? Even any pre-owned can be considered.

My system as follows:
Source: Mac mini
DAC: ??
Amplifier: Jadis i35
Speakers: Genesis 7.2p

Thanks much in advance everyone!

garylkoh · Oct 23, 2014

My favorite budget DAC is the M2Tech Young. I think that it's a giant-killer in terms of its musicality, and will suit very well the Jadis and the G7.2p.

Johnny Vinyl · Oct 24, 2014

Nice to see another Genesis 7 owner here and a compact system! Mine are the 7.1's that I use with a Marantz KI Pearl. I've heard good things about the M2Tech Young as well from some friends. I'm awaiting the arrival of the Geek Pulse DAC, which was crowdfunded on Indigogo by LHLabs. I am not sure what the timetable is on this unit for dealer distribution.

garylkoh · Oct 24, 2014

I funded the Geek Out USB dongle DAC on Kickstarter, and it's an amazing value for money at what I paid for it as an early kickstarter. Sounds great and can accept up to 384kHz and DSD.

However, it gets seriously hot and a bit heavy for just plugging into a USB port.

garylkoh · Oct 24, 2014

btw tjwm338 - are you in the secret Genesis garden?

Andre Marc · Oct 24, 2014

tjwm338 said:
Hi everyone,

Recently my DAC died on me. Have been using it for years and since its a budget one, figured I look for a replacement. In any case, I also felt that it wasn't bringing out the best in the system.

Am looking for a budget DAC (below 1000 quid). Anyone knows of any good one to recommend? Even any pre-owned can be considered.

My system as follows:
Source: Mac mini
DAC: ??
Amplifier: Jadis i35
Speakers: Genesis 7.2p

Thanks much in advance everyone!

If I may, I can recommend four DACs i have spent quite a bit of time with.

I would strongly, without hesitation, recommend the iFi Micro iDSD ($499) with the iUSB power supply ($199).

Way, way more than $700 in sound...

Second, the new Marantz HD-DAC1. $799. Sound and build are excellent...fixed or variable outputs, remote
control, DSD, and headphone amp.

http://www.marantz.co.uk/uk/product...ifi&subcatid=usbdaconverters&productid=hddac1

Without hesitation, the Sonore exD DSD DAC, $1300. Fantasic, artisinal component.

Lastly, the Eastern Electric Mini Max Supreme. $1400. Tube or SS output, DSD, Phase switch.

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Good budget DAC?

tjwm338

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garylkoh

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Johnny Vinyl

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garylkoh

WBF Technical Expert (Speakers & Audio Equipment)

garylkoh

WBF Technical Expert (Speakers & Audio Equipment)

Andre Marc

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