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Will a new DAC make an improvement in sound?

My present DAC is a 5-6 year old Stellavox ST2. Online at http://www.stellavox.com/st2.html

My question is, will I improve my sound noticeably if I buy a newer DAC such as the Benchmark DAC1?

I have a good system, Avalon Eidolon and BAT electronics, so if there is a decided difference, I would be glad to hear it. Plus the price of the Benchmark DAC is not too formidable, which is a big plus.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

thank you
128x128shaq
istanbulu
291 posts
 
Hi,

yes, it will make a surprising improvement. I especially prefer the asynch DACs... I'm using an Ultra Fi iRoc DAC (which was recommended by another 'goner) and I'm very pleased by the audio quality and complete lack of drop-outs and granularity/glare. Nice. And Larry who makes them is a great guy, extremely knowledgable over a wide-range of audio topics. I'm just a happy customer with no economic connection to Ultra Fi. All the best!
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Your system demands a great front end...garbage in garbage out! If you like BAT and enjoy an analog type sound, go for the DK5...used 6922 version was the most musical:)
ehider
286 posts
 
I also agree that Ultra-fi has a very special sounding product. Stay tuned as they are about to release another level of improvement with an even better D/A converter (before the end of August I've been told). This "next level" product from Ultra-fi looks to me as if they may just re-set the bar sonically to what we can expect in digital playback, at any sensible price point mind you ;-)
istanbulu
291 posts
 
Ehider,

It's hard to believe that Larry will have in production something better than the iRoc... with the right USB cable and computer (MacMini... yeah!) and components and speakers and cabling between them, the iRoc is just stunning. The iRoc makes digital playback a thing of joy... imho. I have a Cary CDP 303/300 which is really something else but now the iRoc... I am really, really wondering... where this is all going!

:)

.
pardales
652 posts
 
Ehider: Do you know if the new DAC from Ultra-Fi will be a replacement for
the iRoc or are you talking about the new expensive DAC they are coming out
with that I think is going to cost around 3K (called the Jazz at their website,
but no info is on the website)?

To the original post, you might consider trying any of the DAC's mentioned.
Audiosector makes a nice DAC for around $300, Scott Nixon DAC's have gotten
good reviews as well. There is also the Wavelength Brick. I would recommend
staying under 1K to begin with as you might find you do not need to spend
more than that to get great sound.
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