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Benefit of a Newer (Used) DAC - "Bang for the Buck?"

Despite having a SO who fails to understand why anyone would spend more than $100 on a “radio,” I’ve managed (over several years) to covertly assemble a fairly decent home audio system.  (My prize acquisition being a $500 set of LN Belle Klipsch loudspeakers off CraigsList).

At any rate, relying on quality used equipment that is past its technological “expiration date” has, under the circumstances, served me reasonably well. However, I’m now to the point where I’d like to (again) update several components – namely, the DAC.  

I’m currently running a Cambridge CXC transport through a Genesis digital lens and a Muse Model Two DAC – both of which, while fully functional, are fairly dated.  Realistically, how much noticeable impact can I expect from a newer (used) DAC – like a Bryston BDA-2 or MHDT Pagoda (for example)?  FWIW, my current setup does everything I need it to (i.e., play Red Book CDs).

In advance, thanks for any advice/feedback.

tds3371
jaytor's avatar
jaytor
742 posts
 
There are a lot of excellent DACs below $1K (new and used). In addition to the ones mentioned, I'd look at the Denafrips Aries II (new for about $800) and the Schiit Gungnir MB (used for about $950).
audio2design
1,351 posts
 
If and when I can travel again, I want to get a high end "travel DAC" for headphones.  Was looking at the RME ADI-2.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
As always, just look for items you can home demo, or buy used so that you don't take a loss upon resale. 

If you're set on buying a new dac, I'd recommend trying to hear as many contenders as possible in your own system.  Especially with the pandemic, many places are offering no question returns, and getting 4 or 5 different dacs in the system at once can be an illuminating experience. You can do a bit of blind testing and it'll show you how much (or how little) the different designs matter in your system and to your ears.  Plus you'll learn a bit about what reviewers hear things as you do and who to trust for any future purchase recommendations. No shame in blatantly copying those who have ears that hear the same way yours do.   

If you're looking for brands, I liked the iFi iDSD pro dac that I tried.  Might be worth demoing one of their models that's in your price range.  Good features, engineering, and sound quality. 
ultrabright
6 posts
 
I think my RME ADI-2 is quite handy because it serves a number of purposes, making it obsolesce less quickly. I currently have it running minor DSP (loudness and 5 band EQ) for my main system, operating as a headphone amp, and, of course, acting as the DAC. I know that when I eventually upgrade it, I’ll be able to shift it around to other systems or keep it in the current system more easily because of its multi-purpose-ness (totally a word.)  A hawkish and thrifty audiophile could find one used in the $600-$800 range pretty easily. Worth the money. 
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,450 posts
 
The RME is a killer DAC....its really an amazing unit.   Although it has a very good headphone section I use it as my systems DAC.  All of my digital sources go to it.   I listen to phones with the RME as the source and the Quicksilver headphone amp.  

It is really hard to beat for the price.  What I like about it is it's ability to connect to anything without a driver.  Plug a phone, tablet, or computer and it recognizes it immediately.    Its not cheap, but its far from expensive in the context of what some dacs cost.   Worth every penny
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