Andrew Pratt and I recently exchanged some mails on the topic of universal SACD/DVD players, and other alternatives for Redbook CD playback. One of the topics which subsequently came up was ~$1000 class DAC's, and what might get you into genuinely high end sound. I think Andrew was a little surprised, and probably skeptical, at one of my recommendations, the Benchmark DAC1.
This is not a well known unit outside of Pro Audio circles, though that is starting to change. The DAC1's biggest calling card is an exceptionally well designed digital reciever and phase lock loop for jitter rejection. I think it's one of the best, possibly the best DAC under ~1K; in order of ascending price, my next recommendation is the Music Fidelity A324, which IS pretty widely known as an excellent piece for the money, and a true high end piece.
Well, I hadn't gotten around to reading the last couple of Stereophiles that I bought, yet (saving them for business travel next week
), but opened the July issue this evening briefly. Jonmark's Fifth Element column devoted quite a bit of space to the DAC1, calling it the least expensive digital source out there with true high end performance. (BTW, $850).
Just a heads up. If you're looking for a well above average piece for a resolving system, and don't want to spend a fortune, this is one unit to consider. Even the "big guys" are starting to notice that.
As always, I suggest you listen before you leap. :later:
~Jon
Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....
This is not a well known unit outside of Pro Audio circles, though that is starting to change. The DAC1's biggest calling card is an exceptionally well designed digital reciever and phase lock loop for jitter rejection. I think it's one of the best, possibly the best DAC under ~1K; in order of ascending price, my next recommendation is the Music Fidelity A324, which IS pretty widely known as an excellent piece for the money, and a true high end piece.
Well, I hadn't gotten around to reading the last couple of Stereophiles that I bought, yet (saving them for business travel next week
), but opened the July issue this evening briefly. Jonmark's Fifth Element column devoted quite a bit of space to the DAC1, calling it the least expensive digital source out there with true high end performance. (BTW, $850). Just a heads up. If you're looking for a well above average piece for a resolving system, and don't want to spend a fortune, this is one unit to consider. Even the "big guys" are starting to notice that.
As always, I suggest you listen before you leap. :later:
~Jon
Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....
Nah, just kiddin'.
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