X-DACv3 vs. Stello DA100 | Stereophile.com

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Submitted By: greyrsa

member

Joined: Feb 20 2007

Posts:

X-DACv3 vs. Stello DA100

Posted: February 20, 2007 - 6:01am

I have two options to buy:
1. Musical Fidelity X-DACv3 ~$650
2. April Music Stello DA100 ~$700 (w/ USB in)

I use:
Source - FLAC/WAVPACK -> foobar2k playback (Kernel Streaming)
Transport - VIA EPIA SP8000E (fanless) with int. Vinyl Audio AC97 sound card, S/PDIF out
Amplifier - NAD C 352 integrated amplifier
Loudspeakers - Dynaudio Audience 42

Which DAC would you recommend?
Thank you.

Submitted By: mmole

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Location: New Jersey

Joined: Aug 31 2005

Posts:

Re: X-DACv3 vs. Stello DA100

Posted: February 20, 2007 - 1:59pm

Sorry to be spending your money so perhaps this is unfair but for $995 you could consider the PS Audio Digital Link III. I have one being fed by a Theta Carmen II transport and I like the combination better (much better) than my standalone MF A5 CD player.

Also, in this month's TAS, Barry Willis reviews the Digital Link III and finds that "it went into my system as a replacement for the...Stello DA 100...but the PS Audio is in a different league altogether, offering an almost frightening level of detail, dimensionality, and bass impact."

Just some food for thought.

Submitted By: greyrsa

member

Joined: Feb 20 2007

Posts:

Re: X-DACv3 vs. Stello DA100

Posted: February 21, 2007 - 12:12am

Thanks for recommendation. But I think it's too expensive for me and for my amplifier/loudspeakers (here in Ukraine it would cost about $1270). Then I should change the components to comply the DAC But I'll keep it in mind, maybe in future... Thank you!