Getting DAC
in [Audio Recording]
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From: Carey Carlan on 17 Nov 2005 21:42 I'm in the market for a DAC. I've always used whatever's handy and it's usually done the job, but i'm reorganizing my editing space and want a dedicated device that (a) isn't a computer sound card and (b) won't be leaving with me to record my next gig. I'm looking in the up-to-$1000 range for a unit that handles at least two digital inputs (S/PDIF or AES/EBU) with a couple of very clean & quiet outputs. Is the Benchmark DAC-1 still about tops in its price range? Is there newer gear that's as good but cheaper? Better at the same price?
From: Kalman Rubinson on 17 Nov 2005 22:08 On Fri, 18 Nov 2005 02:42:19 GMT, Carey Carlan <gulfjoe(a)hotmail.com> wrote: >I'm in the market for a DAC. I've always used whatever's handy and it's >usually done the job, but i'm reorganizing my editing space and want a >dedicated device that (a) isn't a computer sound card and (b) won't be >leaving with me to record my next gig. > >I'm looking in the up-to-$1000 range for a unit that handles at least two >digital inputs (S/PDIF or AES/EBU) with a couple of very clean & quiet >outputs. > >Is the Benchmark DAC-1 still about tops in its price range? Is there newer >gear that's as good but cheaper? Better at the same price? Still the best bet in the range. Kal
From: Scott Dorsey on 17 Nov 2005 22:15 In article <Xns9711DCD94BAA5gulfjoehotmailcom(a)140.99.99.130>, Carey Carlan <gulfjoe(a)hotmail.com> wrote: >I'm in the market for a DAC. I've always used whatever's handy and it's >usually done the job, but i'm reorganizing my editing space and want a >dedicated device that (a) isn't a computer sound card and (b) won't be >leaving with me to record my next gig. > >I'm looking in the up-to-$1000 range for a unit that handles at least two >digital inputs (S/PDIF or AES/EBU) with a couple of very clean & quiet >outputs. > >Is the Benchmark DAC-1 still about tops in its price range? Is there newer >gear that's as good but cheaper? Better at the same price? The Benchmark is good. I think the Entec units are pretty underrated, and while they are discontinued they sell on the used market for next to nothing. I think they'll give the Benchmark a run for its money for under $200 used. I still think the older Krell unit isn't bad either. It used the old Burr-Brown PCM 63, which was probably the last generation of ladder DAC chips. I think it's also very underpriced for what you get. --scott -- "C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
From: John L Rice on 18 Nov 2005 00:16 "Carey Carlan" <gulfjoe(a)hotmail.com> wrote in message news:Xns9711DCD94BAA5gulfjoehotmailcom(a)140.99.99.130... > I'm in the market for a DAC. I've always used whatever's handy and it's > usually done the job, but i'm reorganizing my editing space and want a > dedicated device that (a) isn't a computer sound card and (b) won't be > leaving with me to record my next gig. > > I'm looking in the up-to-$1000 range for a unit that handles at least two > digital inputs (S/PDIF or AES/EBU) with a couple of very clean & quiet > outputs. > > Is the Benchmark DAC-1 still about tops in its price range? Is there > newer > gear that's as good but cheaper? Better at the same price? Hi, You should take a serious look at the new Lavry DA-10. Based on the same circuitry as the Lavry Blue DAs ( which sound awesome IMHO) with a few more features. Supposed to start shipping at the end of this month and under $1000 street : http://www.lavryengineering.com/productspage_da_10.html From the above page : ******************************* Lavry Engineering introduces DA10, a new stand alone stereo digital to analog converter. The half rack unit can receive AES or SPDIF digital audio on XLR, RCA and optical link. The DA provides three Clock modes. The preferred modes are CrystalLock T and Narrow Lock modes, but the unit also offers a Wide lock mode based on an internal Sample rate conversion for listening at non standard sampling rates. The level of the analog outputs (balanced or unbalanced) is controlled by an up-down switch and a 2 digit display. The "potentiometer free" discrete analog attenuator provides up to 60dB very high precision volume control in 1 dB steps. A state of the art discrete headphone driver is capable of accommodating at ease even the lowest impedance headphones. The unit includes a polarity switch, and a Stereo-Mono switch, a feature aimed at mastering studios. ******************************* There are some discussions on their forum : http://www.lavryengineering.com/lavry_forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=b5a2413bb9407a35d2584e4081cc7ef9 -- John L Rice www.DeliriumFix.com
From: Mike Rivers on 18 Nov 2005 08:31
Carey Carlan wrote: > Is the Benchmark DAC-1 still about tops in its price range? Is there newer > gear that's as good but cheaper? Better at the same price? It's certainly had the longest run. Lavry displayed a new one at the AES show that could be a strong contender. It's at least worth a look. I can't imagine that he'd make anything that isn't really, really good. |