Weiss DAC2/Minerva Firewire Interface
Max 24/192. In: 2x firewire, optical, coax. Out: digital coax, analog cinch,XLR. For use with Mac, PC or any AES/EBU or spdif source. We compared it to plain old spdif running from a EMU1212M soundcard, into the Audiomeca Enkianthus DAC.
Retail price approx 3000 euro
Benchmark DAC1 USB
Max 24/96. In: AES, coax, toslink, USB. Out: cinch, XLR. This little reasonably priced dac with analog output volume control is making big waves at the moment. Middling everything that I've read about it, supposedly sounds pretty good on all accounts and although it is not strictly highend class, it is very evenly balanced and forgiving in nature.
Retail price approx 900 euro
This page is continually updated. I will keep adding new components and extensive reviews, also for components already listed, so please check back regularly!
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Disclaimer:
I try my best to reflect accurate information but cannot be held responsible for misprint, misquoting prices etc. Specs can and do change sometimes over the coarse of a product's availability. Prices are often approximated from the selling price in the country of origin. Due to taxes and such, prices may vary. If you find any mistakes, don't hestitate to mail me.
Cambridge DacMagic
Max 24/192. In: 2x toslink, 2x coaxial, USB. Out: cinch, XLR. This little and frankly cheap dac has a version of Anagram's ATF on board which means that it uses a time-aligned filter, much like the now popular minimum phase filters. I haven't heard this dac yet but distilling from the reviews I've read, this dac sounds open, precise, yet unfatiguing if slightly lightweight.
Retail price approx 429 euro
Stello DA220MKII
Max 24/192. In: AES, coax, toslink, USB. Out: digital: coax, AES, toslink, analog: cinch, XLR.
Musical Fidelity V-DAC
Max 24/192. In: Coax, toslink, USB. Out: cinch. One of the cheapest DA converters available, yet very musical and refined in sound. Works flawless with both usb, coax and toslink digital signals. Even though it is a very small dac with an even smaller outboard adapter-style power supply, this dac sounds mature, refined and spacious. It sounds MUCH better that you'd give it credit for.
Retail price approx 240 euro
External USB-Firewire Audio Interfaces compared
Various devices tested: Edirol, Apogee, TC Electronic and Echo. Also background information on usb/firewire.
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Arcam rDAC
Max 24/96. In: usb, optical, coax. Out: analog cinch. This cute and cuddly small USB-DAC packs an enormously colourful sound: full, smooth, fluid and very engaging. It is just very easy to listen to. Sure, it doesn't have the Ayre QB9's detail, speed or airyness but it sure is raising the bar for what's possible at this price.
Retail price approx 429 euro
Ayre QB-9 USB DAC
Max 24/192. In: USB. Out:analog cinch,XLR. Brilliant USB-DAC that manages to make the computer sound like real, breathing music. Fluid, effortless, airy, subtle, smooth and with a complete absence of electronic signature. It's only lesser quality is in the bass, which is ever so slightly lightweight. But I've compared it to the Levinson no390S cd player which admittedly has very good bass and overall, I wouldn't see this as a problem, more like a different taste. Surprisingly sounds even better with full size computers than with laptops.
Retail price approx 3200 euro (silver)
DAD (Danish Audio Design) AX-24 da converter
Contrary to what you may think when you see this "studio" dac, this is a very musical performer. It has a lively, upfront delivery and killer bass. In fact it has the best bass I've heard since the Wadia 861. Despite its liveliness it is never aggressive or shouty and has lucid, grain-free highs. The DAD is honest yet never clinical. Just don't expect it to be a smooth operator. It is not as velvety rich as the Levinson no360s.
Retail price approx 4200 euro
Berkely Audio Alpha DAC
Max 24/192. In: AES, SPDIF, toslink. Out: cinch, XLR. This one is mostly unknown to me but friends tell me that it is one to check out. It is a fully-fledged audiophile dac. There's no USB input, but still it is used often in combination with computer audio. I've only heard it once, outside of my own setup. It sounded very controlled and analytical but this was in a setup partially unknown to me so I'll refrain from making further comments.
Retail price approx 3500 euro
PS Audio PWD
Max 24/192. In: 1x toslink, 1x coaxial, 1x AES/EBU, 2x I2S, USB, ethernet. Out: cinch, XLR. Immensely flexible and high performing DAC/network streamer. It isn't the absolute best dac in the world as it lacks some refinement but it is big on dynamics, solidity, articulation, detail and very enjoyable due to its engaging enthusiastic musicality. When used in combination with network audio, this is currently the best solution I have heard, beating every computeraudio solution out there, including my best PC based solution.
Retail price approx 4500 euro (including The Bridge)
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Apogee Duet FireWire Audio Interface
24/96 max. In: 2x XLR phantom powered mic preamp, 2x line/Hi-Z inputs (6,3mm jacks). Out: 2x unbalanced 6,3mm jacks, 1x headphone (6,3mm jack). Both AD and DA conversion is done at a very high level but the analogue output is single ended only. Of course it doesn't beat an Audiomeca, Levinson or Wadia dac but the Apogee sounds miles better than most internal or external soundcards. It has a full, smooth sound that is devoid of sharpness or brittleness. Also, its preamps are much better than those in most AD cards or external devices. The Apogee also has a very good user interface. The integration with the operating system is flawless and really intuitive. Only downside: it only works with Mac.
Retail price approx 429 euro
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How the search for audio nirvana led to the creation of this site
Info, Tips, Tricks and Insights
How to optimise your system
Streaming, USB, Firewire,
Computer Audio
Current and Classic CD players, Cables, Accessories and more
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Musical Fidelity M1 Clic
Network player/DAC/Preamp. Max 24/192 streaming/Coax in, 16/48 USB. In: digital 2x coax, 1x toslink, USB 2.0 (ipod compatible) 3x analog cinch line in. Out: no digital output, analog 1x cinch fixed, 1x cinch variable. Wired RJ45/Wireless ethernet. Formats: FLAC, mp3, LPCM, AAC, WMA. Half size but packed with functionality: analog/digital preamp/DAC/streamer. Gapless playback. Compatible with any UPnP server. IEC power inlet. Large non-touch front panel display. Silver and black. Control via supplied IR remote and i-app. Soundwise better as a DAC than as a streamer. A highly neutral performer, see the extensive review.
Retail price approx 1499 euro
Jeff Rowland Info Database, Cool equipment, Classic CDP's
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Naim DAC
Max 24/192, even up to 23/768 filebased. In: 2x Coax, 4x toslink, 2x BNC, 2x USB, one of which is i-Device compatible with digital extraction of the music signal and full remote control via another i-Device. Out: cinch and DIN.
Retail price approx 2750 euro