Advice for a DAC

[audio bill]

You may also want to consider the Bricasti M1 DAC, which is an excellent performer in your price range. The most recently released version (with v1.22 firmware and related hardware upgrades) supports all PCM sampling rates including DXD, as well as DSD64 and DSD128. In addition to superb sound, the build quality is exceptional as is the customer support of Bricasti.

[phunge]

In my opinion, esoteric is missing at least one DAC in their lineup. It goes from the D-07x ($5k) all the way to the D-02 ($24k). It would be nice to have something in between. This is one reason I decided to go with the K-03, as it's DAC section is better than the d-07x and the D-02 was too expensive. Like you, I didn't think I wanted the transport, but now I am very glad to have it -- I find myself spinning CDs quite often, even though I have the disc ripped to my server.

[soundslikemusic]

bel canto dacs are also very good.

Bel Canto Design -- Bel Canto e.One Series

[audio bill]

Just a note regarding the Bel Canto DACs - they are now on the .7 releases although their website has yet to be updated. So the current models are now numbered 2.7 and 3.7 for example.

[analog brother]

esoteric k-01x
all in one.
buy once and do it properly.

[soundslikemusic]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Just a note regarding the Bel Canto DACs - they are now on the .7 releases although their website has yet to be updated. So the current models are now numbered 2.7 and 3.7 for example.

Yes they are on the. 7 version. For his system with ref 10 at the minimum I would put a Bel canto dac 3.7.
But for me I would seriously consider the berkeley Alpha Dac and Alpha USB. It's crazingly good for $5,000 plus $1900.00 for the matching Alpha USB interface.
I also tried the Esoteric ko3 but I still find the berkeley more musical.
Another cd/Dac combo worth considering is the Accuphase dp550. Excellent cd/sacd playback and awesome Dac to boot.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by analog brother

esoteric k-01x all in one. buy once and do it properly.

Yes...that should do it!

[Jcord]

Ok , now with more advice thanks to you I upgrade the list

Chord QBD 76 HDSD
Bryston BDA 2
Meitner MA1
Berkeley Alpha
Lampizator ( my wife is from Poland so can be a good buy for take more family points )
Van Alstine FET
Metrum HEX
DCS Debussy DAC
Analog DAC
BelCanto
Aesthetics pandora signatur
Bricasti M1
Esotherics K03 or K01x ( unfortunately I saw only now that somebody was selling one on AA at a good price )

I erased the chord Hugo because we already have the top of the line of chord with the QBD76. I did't put the Vivaldi DAC for a simply economical reason, however looks fantastic with his master clock.
For phunge I understand your choice, me too I was thinking about the AR CD9 for that reason ( in the middle between DAC8 and referenceDAC ) but the DAC section looks very close for all AR. However I have already the turntable so if I'm listening liquid music I don't want definitely stand up every five minutes, yes I'm lazy .
I don't put the Accuphase 550 because if I will have to buy a DAC with a transport I think I will go on the Esoteric K01/03
One my worry on DAC decision is to buy something very expensive now that in , one or two years became obsolete. That doesn't happen with pre , amplifiers , speakers , cables.... but probably is a wrong worry

[phunge]

One thing to consider is if you are interested in DSD? I personally don't own any DSD material outside of SACD, so it is not a consideration for me. 99% of the music I want to listen to is only available 16/44.1 Redbook. Some view DSD as the future of high end, others view it as a fad that will fizzle out. This could factor into your choice of DAC.

[cmarin]

You may wish to consider the Playback Designs MPS5 (sacd/CD transport and DAC) or the MPS3 (DAC only). You can pick up a used model for relatively low sums and they are definitely in the top tier.