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Best Bang for your Buck DAC ?

I just realized I’m in the market for a DAC , I don’t want to spend a fortune on a DAC either . I picked up a drangonfly cobalt a while back and am unimpressed  so I moved it to my CPU and sounds really good on my system there which when I bought it figured I would do anyway since it was my first DAC purchase . There are so many DACs I have no clue , how high up on the returns chart can I go at say $1,000 before I run into heavy Diminished returns resistance. I’m open to buying used . I was thinking about a Schitt made in the states ? Anyone’s take on best bang for buck DACs? 
ngiordano
mofojo
2,170 posts
 
RME is very nice. Best DAC I have owned although I never had a DAC over 1800 so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. Could probably pick up a used one for 900ish. I got a demo model from Sweetwater for $1,034 plus tax. 

If you listen at low to mid volumes the eq on the RME really enhances the experience. I turn it off once I get up in volume.  

Jolida (black Ice) tube dac is really nice well under a grand new. I wish I still had mine to compare with my RME. 
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Khadas Tone Board dac from Wesion TEK. $99! Add a 5 volt power supply and a case. The result is a DAC that competes with any four-figure unit! 
grinnell
1,074 posts
 
Check out MHDT Dacs, hard to find used but several models under 1K, tube, R2R  very musical
melm
1,057 posts
 
The best VALUES are from Chinese manufacturers.  They know how to build great DACs with great parts and performance.  My own favorite for value is the LKS DA004.  But there are many others.

I'm not writing of US or European makers who manufacture in China.  I'm writing of Chinese companies. 
whipsaw
753 posts
 
I don't think that the Soekris feature XLR outputs. May not matter to some, but it will to others.
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