DacMagic - Now What

The Eastern Electric Minimax plus would be my first choice (I have one). 2nd choice the Niko dac. Both within your budget, and both several notches up.

I went from the DacMagic to the Wyred4Sound DAC-1. Was a major step up in my system.

I'd go with the Wyred 4 Sound DAC-1 as well. The latest ones have the asynchronous 24/192 USB input.

The Rega DAC is a very big step up IMO. I had the DACmagic in my system for a bit. Wasn't close. Others have disagreed. Can't really see why, but who am I to say they're wrong?

The other DACs mentioned should also be a good improvement. I like the Rega DAC the most, hence why I bought it. System synergy will make or break any component, including DACs.

The Mood 100D ( at about the same price! ) would be an upgrade from the DACMagic.

The Moon 300D is a lot more expensive. Upgrading to that would be really worthwhile, though, because it would keep you happy a long time.

Can anyone describe in what ways all these DACs sound different? When I compare DACs, I also compare to my somewhat expensive MC cartridge/arm/turntable/step-up/preamp, and every DAC I've tried just doesn't come close to me. Actually, my very old Theta Gen-5 sounds fine. They all sound compressed and they lack realism. I am thinking a DacMagic will be only a tiny bit different than an "upgrade" from there, for $500 to $2000 less. But I would like to know what others think about this. What are the specific sonic benefits of upgrading DAC that you all get excited about?

I went from the Cambridge to the Benchmark and couldn't be happier, especially since it now doubles as a pre- and measures significantly better than ones I've had in the past

10-29-11: Tobias
The Moon 100D ( at about the same price! ) would be an upgrade from the DACMagic.

The Moon 300D is a lot more expensive. Upgrading to that would be really worthwhile, though, because it would keep you happy a long time.

Yeah, don't bother with the 100D. You'd be wasting your money on a sideways upgrade. I've tried both of these moon DACs as well as the DacMagic. The 300D would be a significant upgrade; it'd easily be worth your time for an audition.

For what it's worth: despite the marked differences provided by the Moon 300D, I got more out of my digital source from a LessLoss DFPC Signature (power cord @ $1149) than I did from the $1800 Moon 300D. But, since your DacMagic doesn't have a standard IEC power cord inlet, and since you're not talking about satisfying your analogue or digital cd-player 'needs', perhaps that isn't relevant.

Anyway, I had a look at your system: everything looks very nice. Such a tranquil and relaxing-looking space.

Cheers,

Aaron