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New DAC versus higher end used DAC?

Does anyone have direct experience comparing the previous generation of high end DAC (especially Muse model 2 plus, Meridian 563 and Timbre TT-1) with newer units like the Bel Canto (1 or 1.1) or the PT-3A.

I'm trying to upgrade my front end by spending as little as possible and some of the non-24/96 DACs which were very well received can be bought for1/4 of their original price. Or am I being foolish, are the new units so much better that a new $700 unit outperforms what was a 2-4K one three or four years ago?

I'm planning on using an ARCAM Alpha 7se I already own as transport (it has the same transport as the Alpha 9se). I have the Musical Fidelity A3cr amp and pre. TMC White and Yellow interconnects Analysis Plus oval 9 and 12 in a biwire run as speaker cable to Magnepan 1.5/QRs. Power is filtered by a Monster HTS-2000 and I have a mix of Stealth HAC, Kimber PowerKord and Dedicated Audio pds one power cords.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
fineberg

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
8,588 posts
 
I agree with Abecollins above and won't repeat what he already said quite well. Prices don't normally drop to seemingly irrational levels for no reason. I'd also agree with Audiotomb above that you should try the EVS Millennium II DAC, which can be had for $1050(probably not much more than you'd pay for one of the older DACs anyway) and you can return it in 30 days if it doesn't transform your system, although I don't know of anyone who has returned one. Another positive aspect of this DAC is that it will be upgradeable to handle the new SACD/DVD-A formats in 2-channel format only, but older DACs obviously will not be able to offer this capability at all. Hey, with the EVS you've got nothing to lose(except maybe about $20 shipping) and everything to gain(see reviews on audioreview.com and stereotimes.com). Best of luck.

Tim
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