Looking for Suggestions on DAC Under $3K

[Orb]

Hi Lee.
The T+A is incredibly well built-engineer design, very competitively priced.
T+A have been around for ages in Germany and they have a really good pedigree, their amps are of particular interesting design as well.
John Bamford rated the DAC8 very high in his review - HiFi News, just make sure you ensure you use the filter you like the most.
In a different magazine review someone else listened to most of it on the wrong filter for their preference, once changed the reviewer was pretty much impressed.

Couple of other amazing DACs at a similer price will try to remember which one as they will all have subtly different sound, the T+A is meant to be very neutral with high level of retrieval benefitting from being fatigue free.

But what are you looking for in terms of use?
Meaning at least 192/24-bit, but do you want to have flexibility for future support on such possibilities as DXD or DSD downloads?
DXD or DSD download tricky call tbh as it is early days for what could be very niche market, but may be better safe than sorry.

Cheers
Orb

 

[Orb]

Lee,
another great consideration is the Naim DAC.
This is another with great engineering and very well regarded sound and its design is closer to MSB Tech being a sign-magnitude DAC, rather than the usual Sigma Delta designs using such as Sabre32 or AKM/BB/CS.
So this should be considered as its presentation will be subtly different to delta sigma dacs.

Two others come to mind; Hegel D25, and one that is closer to NOS design that being Metrum Hex.

Cheers
Orb

 

[flez007]

I also support (and own) the Mytek option, but I also like Accuphase DACs, something in the used market could fit the budget.

 

[Lee]

Hi Lee.
The T+A is incredibly well built-engineer design, very competitively priced.
T+A have been around for ages in Germany and they have a really good pedigree, their amps are of particular interesting design as well.
John Bamford rated the DAC8 very high in his review - HiFi News, just make sure you ensure you use the filter you like the most.
In a different magazine review someone else listened to most of it on the wrong filter for their preference, once changed the reviewer was pretty much impressed.

Couple of other amazing DACs at a similer price will try to remember which one as they will all have subtly different sound, the T+A is meant to be very neutral with high level of retrieval benefitting from being fatigue free.

But what are you looking for in terms of use?
Meaning at least 192/24-bit, but do you want to have flexibility for future support on such possibilities as DXD or DSD downloads?
DXD or DSD download tricky call tbh as it is early days for what could be very niche market, but may be better safe than sorry.

Cheers
Orb

Thank you Orb. Very helpful.

Looking for 24/192 and 24/176 support. Would like DSD but not essential.

 

[StickMan451]

How about the NAD M51? Anyone heard this DAC?

 

[docvale]

Does anyone have experience with the Teac UD-501? It supports DSD and it looks nicely built

 

[Andre Marc]

How about the NAD M51? Anyone heard this DAC?

I have been very interested in this DAC. I have been trying to get a review sample, but I have a hunch NAD is updating it soon.

 

[Bruce B]

Or you can wait 'til the new Korg DAC is out for <$1k

 

[MiTT]

I've recently picked up an Audiolab M-DAC that I've been putting through its paces. My old Dodson DA-217 didn't do Hi-Rez, so it's opening a new world for me. Thus far I'm extremely pleased. In addition to the USB input, there's 1 optical and 2 coaxial inputs as well, selectable filters and a pretty decent headphone amp.

There's no dealer in the US, so I had to bring it in from Canada, but all in it was just a hair over $800.00.

 

[cpp]

Or you can wait 'til the new Korg DAC is out for <$1k

if it ever gets to the states.

 

[Orb]

I've recently picked up an Audiolab M-DAC that I've been putting through its paces. My old Dodson DA-217 didn't do Hi-Rez, so it's opening a new world for me. Thus far I'm extremely pleased. In addition to the USB input, there's 1 optical and 2 coaxial inputs as well, selectable filters and a pretty decent headphone amp.

There's no dealer in the US, so I had to bring it in from Canada, but all in it was just a hair over $800.00.

Regarding the M-DAC, great dac agreed but due to its incredibly competitive price they kept power supply within a certain cost.
If you are in UK-Europe keep an eye out as this year as it looks like a company will be releasing a power supply upgrade for the M-DAC, while rumour has it Audiolab will be looking to do one in the future.
Cheers
Orb

 

[daytona600]

my Mytek took months to loosen up & run in. now sounding superb
total bargain for the money , for $3000 budget spend the balance to concert tickets , music or a holiday
only Dac i heard that sounds a little bit better cost $7,500

 

[Lee]

Or you can wait 'til the new Korg DAC is out for <$1k

That's an idea.