Best DAC with for Primare i32 and a PC??

[sharetor]

Hi all
I know the “best…” is very subjective but this is me trying to find out what would be the best DAC options to connect an Audio PC (with AEC CD’s and HD flac files) to my Primare i32. The speakers are Proac Studio 140 with QED Sig. Revelation cables.

I’ve been reading a lot about DAC and I can find lots of things in different price levels. I think my big question is. What price level should I go? Once I decide about the price level then I have what model/brand, but that’s another story. I know Primare will produce a Digital Media extension for Primare i32 but I have no idea when, cost and if is good for PC.
Not sure if I will ever buy a CD player like Primare CD32. I prefer the a PC to a CDP. Now, the other question. Will a DAC sound as good as Primare CD32?
NOTE: I live in a small place and can’t test/try stuff. I have to buy these things through internet (I know that to be able to go to a store and try things is a must but I just can’t do it. Nowhere to go).
Here are some examples of DAC I’ve been reading about.
Some prices my not be correct and some of DAC are older, It’s just a reference. If you know others, please tell/advice.
Berkeley AlphaDAC ($ 5000)
Bel Canto_DAC3 (USD $ 2495)
Grace m903 (USD $ 1700/1800)
Stello DA220MK2 (USD $ 1650)
Wyred4Sound DAC-2 (USD $ 1499)
Lavry Engineering DA11 (USD $ 1480)
Bryston BDA 1 (USD $ 1995)
AQVOX_USB2DAMKII (Euro 998)
BenchmarkDAC1 (USD $ 975)
Any feedback is more than welcome

Thanks, Luís

 

[Anonymous]

I would say given your choice in amplification avoid studio orientated dacs such as the lavry and benchmark and go for pleasantries like the bel canto or the berkeley. Depends on whether you want the system to switch accurate or more hifi.

 

[BenLaw]

Given the sort of price range you appear to be working with, I would suggest considering the Chord QBD76. It sounds amazing, you can even bluetooth music from computers and it's one of the best looking pieces of kit around (IMO).

 

[PJPro]

BenLaw:Given the sort of price range you appear to be working with, I would suggest considering the Chord QBD76. It sounds amazing, you can even bluetooth music from computers and it's one of the best looking pieces of kit around (IMO).
...but don't forget a big chunk of the price pays for the bling rather than the electronics.

 

[Anonymous]

You should get a DAC that measures well as it is then going to perform the task required of it correctly. Colour should be added with speakers or an EQ, such as that provided by iTunes or Airfoil. The Benchmark DAC is built beautifully, measures damn near perfectly and is discreet. Expensive but good. If it were my money I suspect I'd just order the Rega DAC.

 

[BenLaw]

PJPro:BenLaw:Given the sort of price range you appear to be working with, I would suggest considering the Chord QBD76. It sounds amazing, you can even bluetooth music from computers and it's one of the best looking pieces of kit around (IMO). ...but don't forget a big chunk of the price pays for the bling rather than the electronics.

Sure, but you get a lot of bling and a lot of electronics! Chord make their own DAC chip rather than using Wolfson or Burr-Brown etc.... Having heard it, if I had the money (and had upgraded in other areas) it's definitely the DAC I'd go for.

 

[sharetor]

Hi everyone

First of all, I want to thank you all. THANK YOU!

Do you know "Ayre Acoustics QB-9"??? I know the price. I really want something good but not something my amp & speaks don't justify. I guess my big problem is to know the balance Speakers + among Amp + DAC. To be honest, I will buy the best I can find to get all primare + ProAc can give me. I also know "Ayre Acoustics QB-9" is USB only butdon't matter. I don't need all the extra inputs.

Hey Octopo, nice moustache. I'm not sure what you mean with this."I would say given your choice in amplification avoid studio orientated
dacs such as the lavry and benchmark and go for pleasantries like the
bel canto or the berkeley.". All I can say is Bel canto was in my list (but I was afraid it was too much for my amp + speakers (too good, i mean).

I'm going to look for "Chord QBD76", BenLaw

Once again, Thank you all.

Have a great new year!

Lu¡s

 

[sharetor]

Hi all.

I looked for "Chord QBD76", BenLaw. It looks very good but a little expensive.
I didnït remove Brekley Alfa from my original post but I have hold horses, canït go that far for a DAC. I think that around ? 2700 will be my roof.

Like I said before, I only wish I could find a good mach for my gear (as balanced as possible).

Enjoy life

Lu¡s

 

[ID.]

When looking at reviews/comments, you might want to keep in mind how you are going to connect it to your PC and your potential requirements for playing hi rez files.

For example, AFAIK the Bel Canto doesn't seem to have USB input, while the Wyred for sound DACs do (asynchonous supporting files up to 24/192).

I haven't looked at all of your candidates, but you might also want to keep see whether any DAC you buy has balanced (XLR) outputs. Personally I'd be very keen to get balanced outputs to make the most of this capability of you primare amp.

 

[sharetor]

Hi

I want to connect DAC to PC with USB and DAC to Amp with balanced XLR

(USB and XLR cables will be another problem. so many prices levels and brands).

I read a lot about W4S Dac2 (it looks good but it seams no one really knows it). Some even say it is not that good.

Now, I've been reading about Ayre Acoustics QB-9 (I think it also supports 24/192). I know it's USB only but don't need all other inputs. I read some things comparing Ayre Acoustics QB-9 higher prices DACs and they say QB-9 sounds very good. Not as good but close.

I really don't care about brands or look. I only wish I could find a DAC with a really great sound. Price under 2500 or 2700 ? max.

thanks

 

[BenLaw]

I'm not going to be terribly helpful in terms of having hear them myself - but it seems your're doing research at this stage and presumably plan to audition when you've shortened your list. I've heard very good things about both the Ayre and the W4S Dac2. Another option you might want to look at is the Antelope Zodiac. Again, not heard it but have read good reviews and it's caused a lot of excitement on other forums.It has all sensible inputs and XLR outputs and comes in at the top end of your budget.

Using the primare amp I agree with you and others you should be taking advantage of the balanced inputs.

 

[ID.]

BenLaw:presumably plan to audition when you've shortened your list.

sharetor:
NOTE: I live in a small place and can't test/try stuff. I have to buy these things through internet (I know that to be able to go to a store and try things is a must but I just can't do it. Nowhere to go).

 

[jovend]

bro,

maybe you want to take a look on this and surely will pick a thing or two on DACs currently in the market that meets your requirements..and much much more ;-)

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=62258.0

 

[sharetor]

Hi all

I did a break on W4S DAC2 and Ayre QB-9 readings and have been busy with Antelope Zodiac + (black box). I'm impressed. No matter where do you read, only good things are said. But, when I see these guys gear (amps, speakers, cables...) I think my bottom doubts remains in my mind. Do my gear (Primare i32 + ProAc Studio 140) justify such a good DAC?? Like I said before, all I want is the best DAC I can find to enjoy what my amp+speakers can give me.

Before, i also said that I can't try these things where I live. All friends and people I know wouldn't spend more than 300 or 400 ? in a stereo (most go for surround kits). I'm alone, a rare bird on this matter.

Me and my doubts!

Once again, thanks for all the input

Lu¡s

 

[BenLaw]

Oh yeah! It was late, and I didn't re-read the thread.

 

[sharetor]

All good BenLaw. You're trying to help.

Thank you!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

My first post here...

Just wanted to share...As I have had the W4S Dac2 for about 2-3 months now - Simply put I have nothing but praise for it!

Definitely my last upgrade Dac for a while.

Re: SQ and value it gets a big fat 10 out of 10 from me...Having had some other Dacs in the past + A Rega Saturn CDP which were all great IMHO...But the W4S Dac2 is definitely a step up from all of them.

Cheers

 

[sharetor]

w2s:
Re: SQ and value it gets a big fat 10 out of 10 from me...Having had some other Dacs in the past + A Rega Saturn CDP which were all great IMHO...But the W4S Dac2 is definitely a step up from all of them.

Hi w2s

I know rega CDP, Apollo SE and Saturn.

Are you saying that W4S DAC2 is as good as your Rega CDP??

NOTE: Great pics. thanks for sharing.

Enjoy life

 

[Anonymous]

Hi sharetor

Just to be clear - I have just recently sold my Rega Saturn CDP..... http://www.flickr.com/photos/54602555@N08/5333298347/in/set-72157625768466824/

This is only my second post and not wishing to be pounced on by beloved Rega Saturn (and Apollo) owners, as I was one once...But IMHO the W4S Dac-2 is "BETTER SOUNDING" than a Rega Saturn.

Caveat emptor...This is when used incombination with the near silent Mac Mini (2010) with an upgrade to 8gb* of quality ram playing wav (lossless files) through Puremusic or Ayrewave. I also personally think IMHO it is "BETTER SOUNDING" when playing CD's directly via the mac mini transport than what the Rega Saturn is at playing CD's...You most notice it in the low end frequencies (Despite the Saturn being no slouch in that department)...That is to say once the unit is burnt in compared to a burnt in Rega Saturn.

The only negative that I have ever read on the W4S Dac-2 was that somebody mentioned a sibilance problem on another forum with the W4S Dac-2....I would just like to say having played many Hi and Lo res files and CD's now I have never ever experienced any such problems whatsoever...So please don't let that put you off keeping it on your shortlist.

I hope this helps...It's a great Dac....Good quality recorded High res files sound sublime.

* 8gb ram is only a bit of a must have when playing 24bit/192Khz files.

 

[sharetor]

Hi w2s

Once again, thank you for your input.

I'm glad to know that a Dac like W4S has such capacities. I had no idea.

My list is getting shorter. W4S Dac2 and Ayre QB-9 are at the top (despite the price gap between these two).

For now, I will be playing with CA DacMagic. In 3 or 4 months I will buy my own Dac, probably Ayre QB-9 or W4S Dac 2.

I use windows 7. Do you need all that RAM to play 24/192??

I read great things about Mini Mac + Amarra but I have no experience with any of those.

Enjoy life!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi sharetor

Your most welcome...hope this helps.

Re: The ram (on Mac)...I personally have found that the more ram you have the better (smoother less glitches with the computer player), especially when playing high res files it becomes much more obvious. I started out with just 2GB which comes with the basic Mac mini, I could not afford Amarra at $695 (that is their ONLY player that supports 24/192 currently) So I went with Pure music at a much more modest $129 which supports upto 384 Khz sample rate....I am very happy with.

A bit later on, a free (Mac) program came out called AyreWave, which is a much better solution IMHO for playing flac files.
I soon found that the 2gb memory was not really that adequate with the memory play on Pure music for playing 24/192 files as I am sure others will testify over at... http://www.computeraudiophile.com/forum

4gb I suspect is the absolute minimum...So a ram upgrade was necessary for me if I wished to play 24/192 files.

My suggestion to you for now, is to download a free 24/192 file and see how your Windows 7 OS and your current computer player copes with such a file...a Dac isn't really required to perform this simple test...Just make sure that the player is outputting to 24/192 or the test will be pointless....If your soundcard permits 24/192 khz files try using your headphones.

Please note: Not all windows players support this type of file.

For free high res music see link below....To download audio please provide the username HD and the password 2L
[/b]
http://www.2l.no/hires/index.html
[/b]

At least it will help you foresee any problems you might have in the future....Hope this all makes sense.

Cheers

[/b]

 

[sharetor]

Thank you, w2s

I said that about the RAM but I know nothing about MACs. I had PC all my life. In a PC with 4 gigas of RAM, windows 7 and Foobar2000&Asio4all it works fine with little adjustments, even 24/192. I never played 24/192 for long. I only have a few tracks (free tracks I download, some time ago, from www.2l.no). I have a little collection of 24/96 and it works fine. In the beginning, before little adjustments, sound used to make noises and could get stuck (for short intervals).

Now, I'm saving money for a real DAC and will keep the readings. I will use DacMagic for next 3 or 4 months.

Once again, thank you

Enjoy life, be happy

 

[Anonymous]

I would add the Weiss DAC2 to that list, and the PS Audio PWD (currently on offer ex-dem).

Ayre Acoustics QB-9 is usb only and therefore this would mean that in a few years it will probably be an antique as usb technology is moving on quickly and there's no backup connection. I.e. poor resale price and upgrade options

Because of this, I would also suggest separate usb-spdiff options like the M2Tech Evo & Halide Design Bridge which will be enough to make a significant improvement on many a dac's internal usb conversion.

Don't think the AQVOX & Stello are 5 star products anymore. (Didn't like the Aqvox AT ALL when i listened to it)

 

[sharetor]

peteAllen:I would add the Weiss DAC2 to that list, and the PS Audio PWD (currently on offer ex-dem).

Hi Peter. Thank you for your input.

I know Weiss's gear reputation (I meant, I've been reading a lot about weiss Dac 2 and Dac 202 (they look the same??). People say great things about Weiss's products. It's a shame but I can't find prices for these products, not in Portugal. In 6moons they say Dac2's price is close to $ 3000. If I could go for Weiss Dac I would need one of that USB > S/PDIF converters?? It would be as good as UBS with QB-9?

Your USB > S/PDIF sugestions goes to M2Tech Evo & Halide Design Bridge (prices for both around 400 to 500 $). I only knew the Bel Canto USB > S/PDIF converter (only 24/96). When you say "M2Tech Evo & Halide Design Bridge", it means I would have to have those things plus DAC or I only have to buy one of those plus DAC??

I think this can be a way to go too (both, my list and my horizon are wider now. Thanks!). But this means more money. I will have to keep the savings.

About PS Audio PWD. For this I can't find prices at all. I think this is not what I'm looking for. I got the idea and it looks a good solution but I prefer a PC and DAC ("traditional" connection). But, I must say "thank you". It's a good option I didn't know.

I didn't understand what you meant with "currently on offer ex-dem". Sorry, my English is not that good.

peteAllen:Don't think the AQVOX & Stello are 5 star products anymore. (Didn't like the Aqvox AT ALL when i listened to it)

I read other opinions similar yours.

Once again, Thank you very much

Enjoy life, be happy

 

[Anonymous]

Dac 202 is amazing, dac2 not as good (but half the price at around 2000 euros - they are swiss - check their website for dealers in portugal)

With the weiss you wouldn't need a usb converter, it has firewire connection (so you might need firewire if you don't have it already) which is excellent

Weiss Dac2 is by accounts at a similar level to the Ayre. I would avoid the Ayre because it is usb only and that limits its flexibility and resale value will fall a lot. If you are anything like other audiophiles and swapping boxes every year, this is a major consideration. However, its usb connection is apparently excellent (same design as the Halide Bridge)

Bel Canto converter isn't very good

For external usb conversion you would get EITHER an Evo or Bridge. The great advantage I see with this approach is that you can probably get a very good second hand old dac and save money there. Some of the other new dacs with usb connection may not have a good usb connection. E.g. the Bryston, Benchmark dacs don't have great usb connections.

The Burson 160D has a superb usb connection