Best (used?) DAC for $300 or less

[OldiesButGoodies]

Hello team...

I know this may have been discussed before but being Mexican I am naturally lazy.  The question at hand is this:  what is the best DAC to get for under $300? 

My top pick so far is a 1993 PS Audio Superlink like Rev's.  That box is older than dirt but sounds amazing - kind of like the Phillips CD-80.  That said,  I tend to believe the theory that newer DACs should sound better, and be able to handle higher res files of course.  So I guess that is the question - what is the best used DAC for under $300,  preferably one that can handle high-res files?

The DACMagic 100 is winning the race right now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic-100-Digital-Audio-Converter-Black-/140980383783?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d315f027

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Yep, like synths, DACs are something that new really trumps vintage.   I'll say it again, just get a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB for $150 and be done with it.   ADC and DAC in one unit and much better than any "audiophile" box I've heard under a grand.

[OldiesButGoodies]

Testing the Cambridge Dacmagic 100.  Sounds good,  not spectacular.  May look at Mark's recommendation next  (for half the price of the Dacmagic)

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

I'll be curious to see what you think.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

And the DACMagic is only DAC, not ADC.   If you decide to digitize any of your tapes or LPs you will need an additional converter.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Oh, and if you pick it up at Guitar Center, I think they have 30 day satisfaction with receipt (but check to be sure).

[OldiesButGoodies]

Mark, tape people like me only go in one direction.  The ADC part is anathema to me.  Why ruin a good thing? 

 

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Again, I'm sorry I forgot to give you the DVD of my drops.   You will understand.

[OldiesButGoodies]

The Cambridge Dacmagic 100 gives the CD-80 a run for its money.  I hear more detail.

[OldiesButGoodies]

One advantage of the Infinity RS1bs:  they helped me discover that the Phillips CD80 DAC kicks the butt of the Cambridge Audio DACMagic 100.  So today the Cambridge went back for a return of my funds.  Simultaneously I ordered the Focusrite recommended by Thrifty.  Will report on that during the weekend. 

The net is:  what the hell did the Phillips/Marantz engineers do to get it so right in the Phillips DAC back in 1992? It it is limited to redbook stuff, so no high def music out of there - but what a kick-ass CD player that is!   The Oppo DVDplayer was not far behind, and also bettered the Cambridge (this is all subjective to a degree, of course).

Cheers,

Pepe

[MacGeek]

Significant pieces of new gear are always fun.  You get to listen to everything all over again (and then start upgrading the rest of the system).

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

I love my Oppo 970, but I like my E-Mu card even better.   I really look forward to hearing your impressions of the Focusrite.

[OldiesButGoodies]

Have been testing the Focusrite for several hours.  Sounds very good on my system. Better than the Cambridge certainly.  Downsides include no coax or optical in, just USB 2.0.  Also needs 1/4 to RCS adapters to talk to home audio eq. Upsides:  Great headphone amp to monitor digital,  and an ADC to record analog stuff.  Have not tested the latter.  Do not see a reason not to keep it.

 

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Glad you like it.

[Sir Thrift-a-Lot]

Did any of your visitors comment on the Focusrite?