Best PCM DACs?

AudioExplorations

New Member
Apr 5, 2012
653
5
0
What are some of the best DACs out there that extract the most out of 16/44.1 PCM?

Async USB is a must, playing high resolution formats is a nice to have. Thanks.
 

MadFloyd

Member Sponsor
May 30, 2010
3,076
774
1,700
Mass

Audioseduction

Well-Known Member
Dec 6, 2010
178
8
925
FLORIDA
I would like to add the Bel Canto DAC3.7 3 box DAC to the list.
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,442
13,471
2,710
London
Still Lampi B7
 

Elberoth

Member Sponsor
Dec 15, 2012
2,007
253
1,170
Poland
MSB Diamond

Had one for a while (MSB Diamond Plus with Galaxy Femto Clock). The Trinity DAC is much better.

I would still like to hear the new $89.000 MSB DAC Select (the all new Select, not the DAC IV Select) against my Trinity.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
7,006
512
1,740
Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
Had one for a while (MSB Diamond Plus with Galaxy Femto Clock). The Trinity DAC is much better.

I would still like to hear the new $89.000 MSB DAC Select (the all new Select, not the DAC IV Select) against my Trinity.

I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,442
13,471
2,710
London
I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.

Hi, since the DSD dac is level 4 equivalent, and I initially had the L5, the Big 7 was far, far superior to L5, on complex music
 

Lee Henley

Well-Known Member
Feb 21, 2014
178
120
350
England, UK
Hi, since the DSD dac is level 4 equivalent, and I initially had the L5, the Big 7 was far, far superior to L5, on complex music

And the Golden Gate is in another league mate, incredible!
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
i will try to find some time to listen to the GG DAC, but not right now. I have come to appreciate some of the later generation digital: Stahl Tek, Metronome, Boulder 2000 series and Vivaldi in particular.

I have enjoyed my Zanden for 7 years now and counting...with no desire to change though i have thought about a few digital pieces from time to time. Metronome and Stahl-Tek had me thinking for a little while. The Zanden requires a little TLC on tubes and a lot of TLC on isolation from vibration (above and below), but 'thats me done' once i completed these tweaks.
 

bmoura

Well-Known Member
Sep 6, 2013
417
3
248
I can only comment on what I've heard in my system. Wish other folks would do the same. I would like to hear the Big Lampi someday though.

Which Big Lampi - the Big 7 or the Golden Gate?

I'm told that the new Lite 7 Lampizator will be in action next week at The Show Newport Beach. The newest entrant in the "7" family for $6k.
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,442
13,471
2,710
London
i will try to find some time to listen to the GG DAC, but not right now. I have come to appreciate some of the later generation digital: Stahl Tek, Metronome, Boulder 2000 series and Vivaldi in particular.

I have enjoyed my Zanden for 7 years now and counting...with no desire to change though i have thought about a few digital pieces from time to time. Metronome and Stahl-Tek had me thinking for a little while. The Zanden requires a little TLC on tubes and a lot of TLC on isolation from vibration (above and below), but 'thats me done' once i completed these tweaks.

Have heard vivaldi many times though not ABed , and ABed a metronome dac, the model that once cost 17k gbp. Preferred the B7 much more, though both are better than L5
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,442
13,471
2,710
London
And the Golden Gate is in another league mate, incredible!

I will be listening to the GG a couple of times next month, but I got it from very good ears with experience with both that if I had to choose between putting my money towards the GG or towards upgrading my B7 valves to original WE 101d, I should go with the 101D first
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
Have heard vivaldi many times though not ABed , and ABed a metronome dac, the model that once cost 17k gbp. Preferred the B7 much more, though both are better than L5
I will be listening to the GG a couple of times next month, but I got it from very good ears with experience with both that if I had to choose between putting my money towards the GG or towards upgrading my B7 valves to original WE 101d, I should go with the 101D first

Good to know...thanks. How much are GG and B7?
 

mauidan

Member Sponsor
Aug 2, 2010
1,512
11
36
Pukalani, HI
Aesthetix Pandora (Romulus if you need a CD drive) Signature.

Can be ordered with or without a volume control.
 

Alpinist

Well-Known Member
Jun 17, 2014
530
143
280
USA
I would definitely place the Esoteric K-01 and K-01X on the list for an audition. I've had the K-01 for two years and it never fails to impress, whether it's on CD, SACD, CD rips or high res. PCM. Wonderful sonics and build quality.

Ken
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing