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Need Advice on a DAC for my Music Server?

I live in the Dallas, TX area and i can't really find way here to audition any dac. Currently i'm currently rig = merdian 506.24 cdp>naim amp>wilson benesch Curve. I'm pretty happy with this setup. I've been using a theta pro II Dac with my mac (apple lossless) and m-audio usb through s/pdif. The does not sound as good as my CDP player. I'm thinking about purchasing a new dac. I've read alot about many dacs and would like to spend about 1500 USD. To give a idea of my listening prefrence, i really like the sound of the naim cdp. I've heard alot about the bel canto dac2 and the benchmark dac1.

As mention above, i can't audition these.....so can anyone recomend me which is better suited for me or maybe somethng else. I just don't want to buy and return things over the mail.

Thankds
seekill

Showing 2 responses by duane

duane
189 posts
 
Lossless PC music is still compressed and won't come close to your Naim no matter what DAC you use except maybe for a Nagra, DCS, or Bermeister. (none of these can be had for $1500 except for the remote).

The bel canto dac2 is bright and lean so I wouldn't suggest that. You could try to find a Datson that is real good but I don't think your source will justify that.
duane
189 posts
 
It is my understanding that lossless is still compressed using a larger algorithms and taking advantage of newer more powerful PC's. It is also compressing less by only eliminating subtle reflected sound of low signals during passages when there is a lot of information or significantly loud music. This is how it was explained to me by an engineer at BAT anyways. If I am off track please let me know. I do hear a difference between an original and Media Player 10 with lossless settings.
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