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Recommend upgrade DAC

Currently using Cambridge DAC Magic with SB Duet. Have no real complaints and could happily live with it. But, what would be a nice step up in a DAC for around $800-1000 used? Possibly with HDCD decoding?

Also, all CD's ripped to FLAC. Will ripped HDCD's be recognized by SB Duet and pass them on to DAC?
smholl
lapierre
547 posts
 
Wavelength Proton (uses USB to power the necessities)
Benchmark DAC1 (no USB for this model but they have DAC1 w/ USB with additional cost)
smholl OP
190 posts
 
I don't need, or want a USB input. Squeezebox Duet connects to DAC using coax digital cable.
lapierre
547 posts
 
You have options with Benchmark DAC1 for inputs.
smholl OP
190 posts
 
Is Benchmark DAC a major step up from the Cambridge DAC Magic? If so, please discribe.
bicycleboy
1 posts
 
I would think you are getting close to the most recent model Bel Canto DAC on the used market. I have a Bel Canto with the SB Duet and am happy using the coax.

I also have another SB Duet on the Cambridge DAC Magic and that seems pretty close. Finally I have a Musically Fidelity V-Dac on another SB Duet. That is a lower grade system but sounds pretty good too.

I think the SB Duet does need a DAC to make the sound into music.
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