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August 14, 2006 - 4:29pm
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Help me decide if I really need a DAC?
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I think the answer is just like any other audiophile answer..."it depends". There are certainly a lot of high quality DACs within your price range, but whether they work for you really depends on system synergy and your own personal taste. One big question related to synergy is whether your Consonance cdp has a quality digital out that will let it be a good transport.
Best thing to do is to see if you can test-run a couple of DACs in your system and see what you think...
I've been using the Stello DA220 DAC for about a year now, huge soundstage, very detailed and smooth sounding. Don't let the affordable price fool you, you can find a review here:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/stello_da220.htm
p.s. I have mine partnered with Cardas balanced interconnects, it sounds superb!!!!
Partnered? How different is that from merely like having an wire connected to an output -input?
Checkout the latest AVA Ultra Hybrid DAC.... www.avahifi.com I use a BenchMark too, and an earlier AVA Omega III DAC...
Synergy my friend, synergy.
Yes, synergy is very important. It's like wearing a lime green leisure suit with matching white belt and shoes. It just works.