PSV Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 Hi, I am looking for a DAC without amplifier. My future daughter-in-law is just starting her journey into hi-fi. I have provided her with Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and a Musical Fidelity X-can v2 headphone amp. She will be going the digital route, hopefully with the highest quality digital files. So, what DAC should she look at? The budget will stretch to a max of $1000. Thanks in advance for any advice Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy8 Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 Cannot go past a Gieseler Klein I or II (list of review here). Fantastic sound for the money. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunno77 Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/232904-FS:-Geek-Pulse-Xfi-(2-available)-+-LPS-Brand-NewIt has an amp but you obviously don't have to use it. Extremely difficult to find a better sounding dac at this price. It does need the Lps to sound its best though Sent from my JAZZ using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audio_file Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Chord Mojo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Spyne~ Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Chord Mojo or Gieseler Klein II for that money. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundfan Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 Denafrips Ares at US $600. Great dac, and superb value for it's cost. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gz76 Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 16 hours ago, paulv said: My future daughter-in-law is just starting her journey into hi-fi. I have provided her with Sennheiser HD600 headphones, and a Musical Fidelity X-can v2 headphone amp. What a great father-in-law. You don't have any single daughters do you? I'm sure the SNA boys would be lining up! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crisis Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 This is a good starting point. I have their phono amp and it is superb for the money. From what I've read their products seem to share this characteristic. http://www.schiit.com/home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancientflatulence Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 ++++.... Klein I or II second hand ........... I love mine ....... (except Clay Gieseler has just announced a new (more expensive) DAC ....... so the Klein will have to go when the new one arrives) ........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PorkBun69s Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 10 hours ago, soundfan said: Denafrips Ares at US $600. Great dac, and superb value for it's cost. second that... best value under $1k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSV Posted September 14, 2017 Author Share Posted September 14, 2017 8 hours ago, gz76 said: What a great father-in-law. You don't have any single daughters do you? I'm sure the SNA boys would be lining up! Ha Ha, Thanks gz76. Unfortunately for you guys, I have only the one son. Actually, I bought the headphones and amp in about 2003, and I have just upgraded them. They have repaid the purchase price by giving me many, many hours of pleasure. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted September 15, 2017 Share Posted September 15, 2017 Hi Paul, what will she be using to drive the DAC ? - laptop ? phone ? desktop PC/Mac ? Point being what input/s are needed on the DAC - Optical, Coax, USB You could test drive a couple of options here if you wanted. ATB T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSV Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 1 hour ago, ophool said: Hi Paul, what will she be using to drive the DAC ? - laptop ? phone ? desktop PC/Mac ? Point being what input/s are needed on the DAC - Optical, Coax, USB Hi Ophool, great to hear from you. I think she'll probably be using a phone and a laptop. Paul 1 hour ago, ophool said: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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