Cheap DAC

Hi,

Since selling my Tact preamp I have been trying to find a cheap (circa 100) DAC to stick on the front of my Clari-T tripath amp. Needs an optical input as I have a highly mod'd CD megachanger as my transport - which only has opt out.

Anyone have one lying around ? Don't want to spend much as this is just a sticking plaster solution until my cash flow crisis eases off.

Sorry for similar post as to preamp - in a hurry.

Cheers,

Steve

 

Steve

I have an Audio Alchemy DAC-in-the-Box in a cupboard somewhere; not sure if it has an optical input or not, but if it does, it's yours for £50 plus postage.

Joe

 

Thanks

Hi,

Thanks but I'll hold out for a bit to see what else is on offer. I've already owned a DDS3 DAC from AA which was ok, but not fantastic.

Not sure how much of an improvement that will offer, plus I need to check how much they go for on ebay.

Cheers,

Steve

 

Steve,

I have a Theta Pro Prime II dac lying around. Was looking for £150 but willing to let go for £100. Bought off ebay late last year and never really used it. Has an optical (and coax) input.

 

Steve

I have Meridian 203 (with mains cable + manual) with optical and co-ax inputs. Yours for £100. PM if interestered

Mr Perceptive

 

Dave,

You're selling the 203?? What have you replaced it with? You're not cooling on Meridian are you, as you're the only other truly Meridian geek I know.

Steve,

The 203 is an excellent Dac, which holds its price well, otherwise, the well recommended, but scarce Nos Dac.

Akram

 

Thanks for all the ideas so far....

I'll leave it a bit longer to see if someone does have any other alternatives. From the little I know the 203 is probably the best bet so far.

Love to try a NOS DAC tho - had a DAC64 previously & I know some people reckon the NOS DAC can match it.

Thanks for all your contributions so far.

Cheers,

Steve

 

akram (aka Bloatfish)

I've bought a 568.2, a truly astonishing piece of kit, amazing on 2 channel and surround, also bought 2 x Meridian 557's for front and rears, so I've not lost the faith!!!

Mr Perceptive

PS I tried a NOS DAC but preferred the 203.

 

Thanks all

Hi,

I've actually just managed to get hold of a NOS DAC. So thanks for all the help but I'm going to go down this route.

Cheers,

Steve

 

Where can I get my hands on an NOS DAC? Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

I didn't believe that NOS DACs have optical inputs?
Certainly mine doesn't.

 

I have a Digital Password NOS dac which has both optical and coax. The coax is much better, imo.

 

Nos Dac

Its this one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5784047525&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&rd=1

I'll suck it & see what I think. Can always sell on & purchase another DAC if it doesn't work out.

Cheers,

Steve

 

Steve,

this looks identical in every way to the one I have except instead of 'digital Dialogue' on the front mine has 'digital password'.

I think it improves my Sony DVD player quite a lot but I leant it to a friend who couldn't tell the difference with his Marantz - but he may listen for different things to me.

You my need to get a decent powercord for it as I found mine was very fussy about this.