Good DAC in the $500 to $1,000 range

[amirm]

Hi guys. We currently carry the Berkeley DAC but like to carry a much lower cost one to pair up with our more value-oriented system (Paradigm/Anthem vs Mark Levinson/Revel). I am searching for a DAC that hopefully has a USB asynch input and retails between $500 and $1,000 mark.

So what suggestions are there?

[audiofilodigital]

Vincent knows... http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_DAC_Async.htm

[naturephoto1]

Hi Amir,

I know that the Lavry DACs have gone up in price. The stock Lavry DA10 is $1100 as I recall, but it lacks the USB input. The DA11 does include the USB input but I am not sure of the current price.

Rich

[amirm]

Thanks guys. Looks like no one owns anything in this tier. What is the general feeling then? Lack of interest? To low or too high a dollar? Not knowing why you would want one?

[naturephoto1]

Amir,

I am not sure what is available at this point in the $500 to $1,000 especially with the price increases in a lot of equipment. The Lavry DA10 used to be under $1,000, but as I say it lacks the USB input. But, in stock form it is a very good and very capable unit. My DA10 is modified and it is in another league. But, you may want to consider something in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. I believe that the Lavry DA11 may fit that bill.

Rich

[Bruce B]

But, you may want to consider something in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. I believe that the Lavry DA11 may fit that bill.
Rich

Plus, Dan is just across the Sound from us.

[RBFC]

Amir,

Do you have any other criteria, such as maximal resolution handling capability or volume control (for direct connection to amplifiers)? The Lavry DA11 tops out at 24/96 currently. With the advent of more USB Class 2-compatible DACs, we should see the higher resolution models becoming more common in the next year.

Lee

[RBFC]

The Apogee Mini-DAC has both USB (optional) and FireWire, and a volume control if you elect to use it. It handles up to 24/192 and has some pretty good reviews around.

http://www.avalive.com/Apogee/MINIDA...IDAC--FIREWIRE

The downside is that this unit has apparently been discontinued. There are some floating around out there, but they may be getting harder to find.

Lee

[amirm]

I am glad you asked. I really like to have built-in volume control. We are trying to build dead simple systems with fewest components. Rather someone put the money toward a better DAC than an extra pre-amp.

I was just reading the review of the DA11 and noticed that limitation. That's a bummer as I have HRx files that I need to play.

[audiofilodigital]

Amir,
...do you mean something like the RME model that Old Listener mentioned ?
http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_babyface.php
...or something much more stereo audiophile specific features ?