Which DAC?

[JamesC952]

I've read great things about DACs in the past few weeks. I'm looking to buy one to significantly increase the quality of my DACless system (Harman Kardon HK6250 to DC6Ts) with a budget of around £200. Most my listening comes from my laptop (CDs and MP3s), television and phone.

A DAC like the Cambridge Audio DACMAGIC Plus would therefore be ideal due to its versatility of inputs and outputs. However, based on reviews, its end-product isn't as good as a more niche Meridian Explorer or DragonFly v1.2. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.whathifi.com/cambridge-audio/dacmagic-plus/review (£250 or ex-service £160)

http://www.whathifi.com/audioquest/dragonfly-v12/review (£130)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Meridian-Explorer-2-with-MQA-Silver/dp/B00Q6VQGS2 (Can only find Explorer 2 - £200)

 

[jjbomber]

I've read great things about DACs in the past few weeks. I'm looking to buy one to significantly increase the quality of my DACless system (Harman Kardon HK6250 to DC6Ts) with a budget of around £200. Most my listening comes from my laptop (CDs and MP3s), television and phone.

For £200 you can get a Monitor Audio A100 and stream from your laptop and phone. That would be where my money would go.

 

[rainsoothe]

check Micromega MyDac out

 

[bartwuster]

check Micromega MyDac out

This.

I owned the MyDac before upgrading to Mytek 192 DAC but MyDac is definitely an awesome product.

 

[SteveR750]

A used Cambridge Audio DACmagic, in fact for £200 you could get a min condition DACmagic Plus which has the headphone amp.

 

[JamesC952]

Thanks for the help guys, think I'm going to save a bit of money and either go for a DragonFly v1.2 or DACMAGIC 100. The main use is Hi-Fi, not headphones, so any advice on which of the two would be appreciated!

 

[SteveR750]

Thanks for the help guys, think I'm going to save a bit of money and either go for a DragonFly v1.2 or DACMAGIC 100. The main use is Hi-Fi, not headphones, so any advice on which of the two would be appreciated!

Go for the one you prefer the looks of, or fits best size wise. The difference between them sonically is minute.

 

[Balderdash]

I bought one a week ago and am very pleased. I also bought the Bluetooth adapter and am happily sending music via my iPad. Very good sound. There is I'm sure better available but I don't listen to music in solemn silence over analysing........