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Need Balanced DAC with optical and coaxial inputs for 2 channel home theater system

For my 2 channel home theater system (only), I am considering replacing my Musical Fidelity M1 DAC A with a better sounding DAC.  My needed inputs are one cable box using optical and one Sony Blu-ray player using coaxial.  I need balanced outputs (XLR) to connect the DAC to my Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier.
  

The Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 ($1,500) and the Parasound Zdac DAC ($2,500) are on my review list.  Any comments on these units?  Or, what other DAC's should I add to my list?   Considering my two input sources, will I really get better sound if I replace the Musical Fidelity M1 A DAC?

The sound quality using the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC is much better than than using the cable box RCA outputs direct to the Ayre AX-7e amp (my system is wired using both options using the source switch on the M1 DAC).  

Since the Parasound Zdac v.2 DAC is priced at $2,500 that is my top budget but I really prefer to keep the cost under $2,000.  Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.


hgeifman

Showing 1 response by jonathan1257

jonathan1257
82 posts
 
As you have already seen, you're going to get lots of opinions and recommendations. Honestly, there are so many good sounding DACs out there, you're just going to have to narrow it down based on reviews and take a leap of faith, or buy something new from a dealer who has a trial period. 

That said, I will add one more suggestion to the mix: I recently switched from a Parasound ZDAC (which I liked a lot) to a PerfectWave DAC II,  which I absolutely love. I am running it straight into my amp (Parasound Halo A21) and it sounds wonderful. Good luck! 
-Jon
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