DAC under $1000

[Kushanava]

Hi All,
I am currently in Australia , and was hoping to purchase a dac under $1000(Max)...I am just going to use this is a stop gap so , I am looking for VFM option.Ideally would like to get something in the $600 range but would stretch to $1000 only if there is a significantly better deal.I was looking at the following options.I am not a big fan of dry , analytical sound though I would like the dac to sound as transparent and neutral as possible within the price range.

Under $600
1.IFI DSD or even idac
2.Wavelength Proton

I am currently in Australia and there is an offer on the Burson Conductor SL 9018 .However I don't have much information on the dac.Please share your experience on this.How does it compare to a PS audio Link iii or a rega dac.
What other options should I look at?

 

[koushik]

You can also keep Bifrost or Gungnir in your list. They are in that price range & have good reviews all over.

 

[Maxprocrj]

You may get some idea.....

Chord Qute EX review | DACs | What Hi-Fi?

 

[reignofchaos]

As you are in australia, Burson is probably the best bang for the buck option since its built right there. Personally I've never heard it so don't have an opinion on how it sounds.

 

[asliarun]

You can get the Audio GD NFB-1 for $650. While shipping is extra, it does enjoy a good reputation in Oz. I've used their slightly lower end DAC with preamp and volume control and really have a lot of respect for this company's products. Do check out their reviews online.

But the big thing to a lot of people is reputation. And I guess a Burson would handily beat Audio GD in that department. Ironically, both company have somewhat similar design ethos. They put a lot of emphasis on the power supply.

 

[arj]

As you are in australia, Burson is probably the best bang for the buck option since its built right there. Personally I've never heard it so don't have an opinion on how it sounds.

I would second that..for the money it is bang for the buck but slightly above 1kUSD

 

[Kushanava]

Thank you very much for your responses.
I have the option of getting the Rega or the Burson , both similarly priced.
Do you think Burson is a better bet than the Rega?

Also the fact that IDSD Micro is such a Buzz around , makes me think that whether it would be a good investment on a $1000 dac at this moment, as the digital world is so frequently changing. Has AMR set the benchmark for the other Pros to follow?
In that sense I am thinking of investing less now and wait for an upgrade once I have a better Front end (I am due for a speaker upgrade next year..may be Rethms)

The other option I am looking for is ... I would be returning via Singapore and have 7 hrs between flight changes.If possible ,I may even get something from Singapore if I can contact the dealers through mails and make a choice in advance.

 

[hydra]

Kushanava, the iDSD Micro is serious value at it's price. I played around with one for a couple of days this week (not long enough for a serious listen). I think it betters the Rega DAC in my system on most aspects. (I have the v1 Rega DAC).

 

[Kushanava]

@Hydra ..:cheers:

Hmm , this recommendation really kills the search for Burson and Rega.
I did check with Sound by Vision on the same ---Here is their reply--
"Mr Saha, sorry we are out and there are iterations in the company. Micro DSD won't be here soon"
Any idea of the prices in India for Micro iDSD ?

 

[hydra]

Kushanava, they haven't yet fixed a price (In India), I think. They should have stock of the Micro iDSD for sale any day now. I'll check with the D & D and update.

 

[mpw]

Njoi the beaches, koalas and the lassies

The DAC can wait.

 

[Kushanava]

Njoi the beaches, koalas and the lassies

The DAC can wait.

Yes mate...been to the beaches..not seen the koalas or kangaroos though!!!
Returning next month!!!! So back to music....

 

[Kushanava]

I have been trying to get the IfI micro DSD , but unfortunately , none of the dealers in Australia have them in stock.Going through the dacs under $1000... I found that there is a discount on the Line-Magnetic-LM-502CA.Has any one heard this dac ?

Line Magnetic Li magnetic LM 502CA digital audio decoder-in Amplifier from Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

[vin_eme]

You could look out for Wyred 4 sound DAC-1 LE

https://wyred4sound.com/products/digital-converters/dac-1-le-limited-edition

Also there was a 20% black friday deal

Black Friday sale -- save 20% on Wyred 4 Sound gear! Plus Wyred 4 Sound news and more.

 

[Kushanava]

The Metrun Octave dac 1 is on sale in one of the forums...
Is it worth considering this over ifi Micro DSD ?

FS: Metrum Octave Mk1 NOS DAC - Hi-Fi Classifieds - StereoNET

 

[rav_mk1]

You can also look at TEAC UD 501 DSD capable Great sounding DAC amazing fidelity and very much in your budget.

Cheers
Ravi

 

[magma]

the mertrum and AUdio GD
would be my pics personally...

well i like the Benchwark 2 too - though some find it too straight forward

 

[narcissus]

You should jump at this opportunity for owning the Metrum Octave, all the dac's mentioned don't even come close to it. This DAC is a giant killer, you should read the glaring reviews all over the net.

I own it & its a rare one which plays 192/24

The Metrun Octave dac 1 is on sale in one of the forums...
Is it worth considering this over ifi Micro DSD ?

FS: Metrum Octave Mk1 NOS DAC - Hi-Fi Classifieds - StereoNET

 

[krell]

After audition of 2expensive dac equal to usd 1500,1100i along with oppo 105,idecided to buy the oppo 105.all the audition done in same room with same source.

 

[anm]

A friend is coming over from the US. Any suggestions for a used DAC from audiogon? Bryston or something else?