[jxo]

My digital frontend has been in moth balls for about 2.5 years. Counterpoint transport and Monarchy DAC. Never thrilled with it. With new standards coming out, I do not want to waste money on an expensive DAC or one-box unit. Would like a meaningful upgrade to get me through the next couple years..


Am curious as to what people's favorite low cost DAC is these days?


Single Units? for the same $ outlay, better or worse than a separate DAC?


Upgrade the Monarchy? (I am surprised to see that its BB pcm 63 K DACS are still used in some new models, eg Rotel). I could do some of Monarchy's factory upgrades, eg a piggyback DAC (anyone out there do this?) or a 24/96 upgrade (seems like a waste given the content situation). Are there any non-manufacturer upgraded that may be cost effective?

 

[tommyboy2]

Hi jxo. I've been looking around for a low cost DAC as well. You probably already know this, but the MSB Link DAC III is very popular and flexible. They are at www.msbtech.com


The one I'm waiting for is from Camelot. Their Arthur 24/96 has built-in Burr-Brown 1704 DACs, does 24/96 upsampling, jitter attenuation and format conversion. It will list for $699 I think and will ship in 6 weeks or so.


Tom

 

[jxo]

Quote:

Originally posted by tommyboy2: Hi jxo. I've been looking around for a low cost DAC as well. You probably already know this, but the MSB Link DAC III is very popular and flexible. They are at www.msbtech.com The one I'm waiting for is from Camelot. Their Arthur 24/96 has built-in Burr-Brown 1704 DACs, does 24/96 upsampling, jitter attenuation and format conversion. It will list for $699 I think and will ship in 6 weeks or so. Tom

Fancy finding you in this neighborhood. It didn't take long to find the Link DAC-- decent value it would seem. I am skeptical about the need for 24/96 capability, at least for me, given the lack of content. My goal would be to maximize playback quality of all the old cds I have laying around-- kinda like shopping for a new cartridge.


Any views on the used market? I have never been enamoured with ultra$ DACs and my sense is an MSB or Camelot unit will likely equal or exceed a top drawer$ unit from a couple of years ago.