DAC Information

[Hackensack]

If it's true, as they say, that an upgraded DAC is "perhaps the single most rewarding addition you can make to your audio system," I wondered if anyone had any opinions/experience to share. I'm considering a used Bel Canto DAC 2, for about half retail. Any other units that represent a similar cost/benefit point? I know very little about this area, but I figure that even if SACD becomes the wave of the future, it will be decades before I could/would replace the 1200-1400 "red book" CDs I've got now.

[Gerry]

Originally posted by Hackensack
"perhaps the single most rewarding addition you can make to your audio system,"

It is if you happen to be selling DACs. But seriously, I've heard a lot of good things about this unit:
http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/digital/dac1/default.asp

Not as esoteric as the Bel Canto, but might be worth a look.

[Hackensack]

Interesting that the users of the Benchmark seem to mostly be recording professionals.........

Meanwhile, I'm of now considering a great deal on a barely used Perpetual Technologies PA-3.

Since my (nonhighend) CD player is getting a bit long in the tooth, I'm hoping for a substantial improvement. I guess we'll see......