2. digital
  3. 1171991768

Good DAC for multiple sources

I'm planning on expanding the capability of my apartment mid-fi setup, and wish to pick up a DAC that can *conveniently* accommodate several sources. By "conveniently" I mean a knob (like Aragon's DAC), remote cotrol, or auto-switching (like MSB's LinkDac). The sources I have in mind are an HD cable box and an upscaling DVD player, although I may later add a digital media server to stream digital audio from my home network. My amp is an NAD C320BEE.

I'm hoping someone can identify a few budget models that will do the job well.

One question I have: some models appear to have auto switching (i.e. MSB). Would this require me to be careful about which components (i.e. the cable box) are powered on?

I suppose I could also look at a separate switching unit, but am loathe to add yet another box.

Many thanks.
optigrab

Showing 1 response by rb99

rb99
39 posts
 
I highly recommend Pacific Valves Moded Lite DAC 68. I use it in an office set-up for a second system.

It's tube drive using 6922s and upsamples from 16/44 to 24/96 then a second level to 24/192.

It has three switchable inputs. I use it for SAT Radio into the optical and Computer Audio into the S/PDIF. It has an AES as well. Also includes a digital volume control.

After changing the tubes to some nice NOS Seimens CCAs and replacing the PC, the sound is very good. Warm and rich with lots of detail. I have my preamp set to receive the straight audio from the USB converter and then also through the DAC. What a difference.

It costs $700, worth the money
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