Poor man DAC

[TimRawson]

While I know the best DAC to get is likely the Benchmark.... Would like to try one in the 100-300 range (thus unload if I can't hear the difference). I think back to when I listened to an arcam player with a heavy metal (to test harshness of amplification) DOWN.... was dumbfounded by the extra musicalness of some guitar riffs I hadn't heard before on other systems.

But what are some other recommended ones on the used market? I recall seeing some threads mention some, but search is coming up with much right now.

Any DAC's have multiple inputs?.... Thinking the DAC route as I'd like to give it a whirl for computer provided digital streams and possible cable/sat box dig output (all dem music channels).

Thanks

[David Meek]

A nice moderately priced DAC that's getting some good press is the Musical Fidelity X-DAC. Runs around $400 new. Being an owner of the MF A3.2CR component-size DAC, I can vouch for the sound- and build-quality of their products.

[watchthewaves]

You could try looking for the M-Audio SuperDAC 2496. A budget pro audio DAC that is value for money.

[TimRawson]

Hmm... any of them have tryout/return policies? I'm somewhat skeptical I'm a critical enough listener to notice over the dac's in my prepro. Don't want to be in the spend 100% more for 5% improvement situation.

Unless there's a known used DAC that can be resold easily or is likely to be a keeper (audiogon).

Thanks

[TimRawson]

Anyone familiar with Arcam delta DAC boxes? Picked on up off ebay for 100 bucks to give a whirl. Then if bitten by having a dedicated DAC, would try that m-audio superdac down the road or put benchmark off on the horizon.

[David Meek]

Tim, I'm not familiar with the delta-DACs, but Arcam (in general) puts out a good product for the money. Keep us posted on your thoughts on the Arcam's performance, okay?